I’ve been writing professionally since my retirement from the FBI in 2004, but that’s not the sum of what I do. At 62 years of age I still have a lot of living to do. I continue to involve myself in law enforcement, teaching classes concerning use of force and firearms to police departments, federal agencies, and military personnel.
Having been a SWAT/Sniper, fitness, defensive tactics, firearms and tactical instructor with the FBI and Chicago Police Department, I continue to leverage that knowledge in retirement.
I hold a personal trainer certificate which allows me to train individuals, as well as author articles on training and fitness. Some of my career was spent working undercover in the FBI. One of the long term undercover projects involved steroids. For nearly three years I travelled around the country buying steroids from unwitting individuals at gyms, nightclubs, from veterinarians, doctors, and athletes. Based upon my experiences in that case, I became an NCAA authorized speaker on the dangers of steroids and drugs. I deliver my presentations to student-athletes all over the country.I’ve found that writing and teaching in retirement ensures mental acuity. But challenging yourself mentally isn’t enough. In order to prolong one’s life chronologically you must also exercise your body as well. I routinely do some form of exercise for one hour each day. This regimen enhances the quality of one’s life.
The old axiom, “Retirement is not for sissies,” is true. Maintaining good health requires putting in the work, not just sitting on the couch watching television. I am embracing the golden years, not ready to collect Social Security.
John M. Wills
John, You are certainly a brave and spunky kind of guy! Welcome to Spunky Seniors!
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
Thanks, Morgan, for inviting me on your blog. I know I'm not alone in embracing an active lifestyle as a so-called "senior."
ReplyDeleteHi John, we need more retirees like you. My husband plays tennis four times a week for two hours, handles the church accounting, and fixes the neighbors' computer. I write and do my Pilates three times a week. No time for TV here. Did I mention we travel a lot?
ReplyDeleteNo, Mona, you didn't mention that. How do you two fit travel in?
ReplyDeleteJohn, you set a great example for all of us. Retirement is the time to bloom.
ReplyDeleteAnd what John didn't say, is he's a great speaker. He spoke about undercover work with his friend at the PSWA conference this past weekend and had us all mesmerized.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn
John certainly gets around. Happy body is happy mind. I'm 75 and have no notion of quitting what I do. I also ride a stationary bike every evening for 20 minutes, though I'm handicapped and can't walk well. It keeps me functioning. I also swim and write six hours every day. Aren't today's seniors fantastic?
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, you are too kind and spunky yourself! Velda, God bless you, still goin' strong at 75. You're an inspiration. Bob, you're absolutely right, and if I can steal a term from Rush Limbaugh--we're not senior citizens, we're "Seasoned" citizens.
ReplyDeleteJohn: I loved your presentation at the Pubic Safety Writers Association Conference. You were a very spunky FBI guy and that hasn't changed. Can't wait to hear more of your entertaining stories next year!
ReplyDeleteMorgan: I love the idea of spunky seniors. Can't wait for a couple more years until I can participate!
Wendy
W.S. Gager
www.wsgager.com
I stay fit by doing NOTHING. Yep folks. I have lost a little weight around the middle by concentrating and not eating all the time and staying away from carbohydrates. Greek salad with baked fish, fruit yoghurts as alternatives and maybe a Baltic style lentil soup or thai chicken etc. And a light breakfast as in orange and banana then rice bubbles and that's it for the day. I know I've done this backwards. Lots of tea even with sugar and voila, keeping around 75kg @ 180cms.
ReplyDeleteAnd write of course.
Wonderful post. John you are an inspiration to all, not just spunky seniors!
ReplyDeleteKaren, thank you. Lutz, you have the willpower we envy. Wendy, thank you ma'am. I'll be back next year with more.
ReplyDeleteTo each his or her own. Glad your diet works for you, Lutz. If I tried it, I'd have no energy. I need my carbs, and my protein.
ReplyDeleteMorgan Mandel
http://www.morganmandel.com
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com