Russell M. Nelson is not your average ninety-four year old.  The former heart surgeon keeps a dizzying schedule as leader of one of the world’s fastest growing religious organizations – the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Over the years he has let some secrets slip out about his good health:

1.    He’s always moving – President Russell M. Nelson is no stranger to hard work.  One would think he would be entitled to a ride in an elevator or a golf cart on occasion.  But President Nelson always takes the stairs. And he prefers walking to riding in the golf carts provided for transporting church leaders.  Fellow church leader M. Russell Ballard says: “You can’t keep up with him when he’s walking — at least I can’t. Of course, both my knees have been replaced.  So I hobble along trying to keep up,but it’s not easy. He walks every chance he gets.” (Sheri Dew, Insights from a Prophet’s Life, page 344)

2.    He has a disciplined appetite – At lunch President Nelson will generally eat a bowl of soup while others prefer roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy. (Spencer J. Condie, Russell M. Nelson:  Father, Surgeon, Apostle, page 367). He, of course, also follows the code of health for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints abstaining from alcohol, coffee, and cigarettes.

3.    He gets outside – President Nelson enjoys being outside and recreating.  His daughter Sylvia says: “He has taken care of himself; he always exercises.  He doesn’t much like to lift weights or walk on a treadmill. He’s got to be outdoors.”  (Dew, p. 345). For President Nelson this means snow shovelling in the winter and gardening in the summer.  When he arrives at a new destination he often takes a brisk walk, also following this practice before or after a lengthy meeting or before retiring at night.  (Condie, 367).

4.    He recreates actively – For many years President Nelson skied as often in the winter as his schedule allowed.  He continued this practice into his nineties (until Church Security put a stop to it). He also has enjoyed snorkeling, fishing and, of course, walks in nature.  

5.    He is an early riser – President Nelson counsels others to rise early stating, “To those who feel defeated an downtrodden, look to the early hours of the day for your rescue.”  (“Joy Cometh in the Morning,” Ensign Nov. 1986, 70). President Nelson follows a pattern of study in the morning (he studies the scriptures) that allows him quiet time to reflect and ponder.

These health practices may be the reason that that for many decades President Nelson never missed a day of work because of illness. (Condie, 367) Most twenty or thirty somethings can barely keep up with the demands of life and stay healthy.  So it’s nice to hear every once in a while how a ninety year old does it. Despite his hectic schedule, President Russell M. Nelson shows no signs of slowing down. So perhaps we all should start doing our best to keep up, starting with a few of these tips.