Professor Rapee Sagarik - A healthy
state of mind

Now in his 80s, Professor Rapee Sagarik isn’t slowing down. He stays busy writing books, teaching, doing research, and observing people and society. He still manages to find time to nurture his creative side through photography, drawing and playing music.

Prof. Rapee was honest and blunt when asked for advice on achieving lifelong good health. “I have no health tips!” he said. “I’ve come to realize that our way of thinking and our ‘state of mind’ influence everything in life, including health. To live a healthier life, I first had to develop a much deeper understanding of myself and my way of thinking.”

SHORT TERM, LONG TERM

He has maintained a healthy lifestyle through the years by sticking to good short term health habits while staying mindful of important long term health goals. “One way I stay healthy in the short term is to see my doctor regularly,” he said. ”I never miss a doctor’s appointment.”

“To stay healthy over the long term,” he explained, “you need to achieve peace of mind. That creates a kind of positive energy that affects your health.”

When it comes to food and nutrition, Prof. Rapee follows a common sense strategy: He enjoys a wide variety of food and is careful to limit the amount he eats. “I burn all the calories I eat,” he said, “so my weight has never been a problem. I don’t worry so much about what to eat and what not to eat. But I make sure I don’t over-eat.”

NEVER STOP LEARNING

The aging process can take its toll on one’s mental abilities. Prof. Rapee’s healthy living has kept his mind and memory sharp.
“I think it’s because I’ve always paid attention to what’s going on around me,” he said, “and I never stop learning.”