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Who was Dr Gladys McGarey?
Dr Gladys McGarey (1920-2024) was a retired holistic physician. Throughout her career, she made significant contributions to the medical field. She championed better birthing practices, acupuncture, and preventative health care.
Dr Gladys was also very active on social media. You can find her interviews on her YouTube and Instagram channels. You can also read about her life and legacy in her book The Well-Lived Life.
She was born in India in 1920 to parents who were pioneers in osteopathic medicine. In 1935, her family moved to the United States, where she attended medical school. Later, she married William McGarey, and together they raised six children.
Today, Dr Gladys is celebrated as the mother of holistic medicine. She earned many awards for her service and contributions. She also provided humanitarian aid around the world. Throughout her life, Dr Gladys remained committed to her mission of holistic healing and service to others.
Healthy ageing insights from Dr Gladys
At 103 years old, Dr Gladys sat for an online interview with LiveUp. We’ve broken her actionable advice into short sections and video clips you can explore at your own pace.
What does 'ageing into health' mean?
Watch the video to hear from Dr Gladys about ageing into health.
You can define health in a way that is personalised to you.
Rather than employ an 'anti-ageing' mindset, Dr Gladys defined her healthy ageing journey as 'ageing into health'.
She said that 'as we grow into health, we grow into different aspects of our own being', and this is what allows us to do and understand new things.
The 5 Ls: Dr Gladys’s philosophy for a meaningful life
Watch the video to learn about Dr Gladys's philosophy called 'the 5 Ls'.
- Love serves as the foundation, transforming the other Ls.
- Life without love is like a dormant seed. Love activates it and makes it grow.
- Laughter without love is cruel and rough. With love, it becomes joy and happiness.
- Labour without love is arduous. Dr Gladys uses the example of changing diapers! It's easier to do it for someone you love.
- Listening without love is merely absorbing sound. Listening with love is the key to understanding.
Simple daily habits that support healthy ageing
Watch the video to hear Dr Gladys discuss healthy habits.
Dr Gladys followed simple daily routines. This included going to bed and waking up at consistent times. She also enjoyed a regular breakfast each morning.
Dr Gladys said these types of healthy habits are integral to life. Keeping them up helps contribute to your personal development.
Positivity is also a healthy habit to keep. Maintaining a positive attitude was a key focus for Dr Gladys in her everyday life. She greeted each new day with enthusiasm.
Why social connection matters as you age
Watch the video to hear Dr Gladys's thoughts on connection.
Dr Gladys emphasised the significance of human connections.
Coming from a family of five children herself, she had six children of her own, each of whom she viewed as exceptional and precious, just like every individual.
It's important to cherish the connections in your everyday life. This means connecting with your community, even the people you meet at supermarkets or during walks. Every connection has the potential to teach you something special.
Building emotional resilience later in life
Watch the video to hear Dr Gladys talk about resilience.
It's healthy to process your emotions when dealing with difficult situations. When it comes to stress and difficult emotions, there's no magic wand to help you 'get over it'.
By understanding your emotions, you can learn from your experiences in life and become resilient with each and every one. According to Dr Gladys, you're the one who's most responsible for your healing. And you can take charge of your healing with your actions and words.
Assistive products that support independence
Watch the video to hear from Dr Gladys on using assistive products.
Dr Gladys fully incorporated assistive technology into her daily life. She used aids both inside and outside her home.
- Her trusty walker accompanied her on her daily strolls and as she moved around her home.
- And she used a hearing aid to communicate with her family and conduct interviews.
Movement and mobility: Staying active at any age
Watch the video to hear from Dr Gladys on the importance of movement.
Dr Gladys promoted exercise and movement for maintaining health as you age. She stayed committed even though it wasn't always easy to stay active.
- She walked 3800 steps a day and used her tricycle for mobility.
- She also preferred to keep her house unchanged as another way to stay mobile. It encouraged her to do things like climb stairs to reach her bedroom.
Watch the full interview with Dr Gladys
For a detailed account of ageing into health, watch the full video of our interview with Dr Gladys. You can also read the full transcript of our interview with Dr Gladys here.
You can see more of Dr Gladys on her YouTube and Instagram channels.
For personalised healthy ageing ideas, take the LiveUp quiz or get in touch with one of our helpful team on 1800 951 971.
References
LiveUp. (2024). Interview with Dr Gladys McGarey.
McGarey, G. (2024). The Well-Lived Life. Penguin UK. ISBN: 9780241613030
How to use this information
LiveUp provides free information to help you make informed decisions about your health. This information is for general and educational purposes only, is not intended to provide a comprehensive guide, and does not replace medical advice. Everyone is different, so some of these tips may work better for you than others. You should use your own judgment and seek medical advice when applying this information to yourself, to determine if it is suitable in your circumstances. Your use of, or reliance on, this information is solely at your own risk. Independent Living Assessment Incorporated is not responsible or liable for any injury, loss, or damage caused as a result of your use of, or reliance on, this information.
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