Fathers and The 100 Year Lifestyle

 

Happy Father’s Day! As most of you know, I am a proud father of three adult children, all chiropractors. However, I am also a soon-to-be grandfather! As I think about the joy I’ve experienced in raising my own children, I am excited to be healthy and have a long life ahead of me to spend with my future grandchildren. 100:100, living at 100% for 100 years or more, is the foundation for a happy, love-filled life. 

75 Million and Counting

So exactly how many men are celebrating Father’s Day this year? According to the United States Census Bureau, roughly 6 in 10 men or 75 million are fathers to biological, step, or adopted children. Roughly 1 in 4 men are grandfather’s. In 2020, there were 2 million single fathers living with children under the age of 18 and 215,000 stay-at-home dads.

The Father Effect

Any way you look at the numbers, men are involved in the lives of their children, and it makes a difference. At The 100 Year Lifestyle we talk about making choices for you and your family. But the reality is that dad’s have a tremendous impact on the choices their children make. 

It’s called the “father effect.” While motherhood tends to take the lead in parenting studies, according to Fatherly.com, kids who have close relationships with their fathers do better in school and life. They avoid high-risk behaviors and tend to have healthy, stable relationships when they grow up.

 What You Do Matters

While there are a variety of studies that all look at the importance of fathers from different perspectives and under different situations, they all unequivocally state that a father’s active participation is always preferred, and that quality of time is more important than quantity. Beyond these mechanics, the studies suggest that “legitimately care for your children and modeling good behavior” is most important. 

Perhaps most importantly, dads need to realize that their kids are always watching, and that what they do matters.

Fathers are Teachers, Too

According to Paul Amato, PhD, a sociologist who studies parent-child relationships at Pennsylvania State University, “Fathers and mothers are children’s most important teachers. Fathers might ask themselves, what are my children learning — about life in general, about morality, about how family members should treat one another, about relationships — from observing me every day?”

100 Year Lifestyle Dads

For the dads out there who are living their 100 Year Lifestyle, they are reaping the benefits of a long and healthy life to spend with their kids and grandkids. They also, however, can know that their choices, what their children are observing about and learning from them every day, is creating a healthy lifestyle for their children and future generations as well. 

Dad’s, you play an important role. If you truly want the best for your children, then only accept the best for yourself as well. Take care of yourself, and by doing so you will be giving them the best care possible.

Give yourself the gift of health this Father’s Day by finding a 100 Year Lifestyle provider near you. Get the support you need to be the best dad, and ultimately granddad, you can be. Live 100:100. We’re here to support you, and your family, every step of the way.

Happy Father’s Day!