Story Behind Why Silver Fox Twin Roy is Making Health a Priority at age 61

🦊 Roy over 40 years: The Story Behind Silver Fox Twin Roy’s Campaign to Better Health

My challenge to you: If you’re in your 50s, 60s-plus, what’re you doing to stay healthy? Don’t wait for a health scare like I did.

By Silver Fox Twin Roy-Birmingham, Ala.

Why is a seemingly healthy 61-year-old man—6 feet tall and around 192 pounds—on a health kick?

Because looks can be deceiving.

For the first 50 years of my life, my identical twin Troy & I were tall, skinny string beans. As 18-year-old high school seniors, we weighed about 145 pounds each.

When I married Patrice at 26, I was around 155 pounds.

I could eat chips, cookies, ice cream, candy and fried food without worrying about my waistline.

That changed as I approached 60.

Over the past two years, I’ve gained nearly 20 pounds, much of it around my stomach. My waist has gone from 34 to 38 inches, and even my shoe size has gone from 12 to 13.

The middle-age spread finally found me.

But weight gain isn’t the only reason I’m taking my health more seriously.

My Health Wake-Up Calls

Before 50, I had never had surgery and rarely visited a hospital except for childhood sports injuries and routine procedures.

Then, at 51, I developed severe back pain that traveled down my leg. A degenerated disc was pressing on a nerve.

For three years, epidural treatments couldn’t solve the problem. My mobility deteriorated from walking normally to using a walker, then crutches, then a cane.

In 2019, I had back surgery.

Thankfully, it worked.

No more back pain. No more walker. No more crutches. No more cane.

Then came choking issues in my throat.

Beginning in 2021, severe acid reflux caused problems with swallowing, and I underwent several procedures to stretch my throat. Changing my diet and taking medication have helped, and thankfully I haven’t experienced those frightening episodes recently.

Then came perhaps my biggest wake-up call.

In January 2023, I was driving to work when I suddenly had trouble breathing. I pulled over and called Patrice, who called 911.

Doctors discovered massive kidney stones.

I needed laser surgery to break them up—an experience I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy.

The lesson was simple: I wasn’t drinking enough water and was drinking too many sodas.

Patrice made sure that changed. When I came home, she bought me a large water jug and helped me start tracking my daily water intake.

🦊 Why I’m Taking Action Now

Those experiences taught me something I should have learned much earlier:

Feeling healthy isn’t a lifetime guarantee.

My back taught me not to take mobility for granted. My throat taught me that what I eat matters.

I have to take an active role in my health.

That’s why I’m walking with Patrice.

That’s why I’m trying Chair Yoga and Chair Aerobics.

That’s why I’m working with Coach Marqq.

And that’s why I’m sharing this journey publicly.

I want to become a stronger, healthier 61-year-old.

I want to enjoy retirement.

I want more walks and adventures with Patrice.

I want to walk my daughter, Dr. Naja Williams, down the aisle when she marries Marquis.

And someday, I want to chase my future grandchildren around.

My Challenge to You

If you’re in your 50s, 60s or beyond, what are you doing to stay healthy?

Don’t wait for a health scare to force you to pay attention.

Walk.

Move.

Drink more water.

Pay attention to what you eat.

Get your regular checkups.

And if you’ve been saying, “I’ll start tomorrow,” maybe tomorrow should be today.

I’m 61—and I’m starting now.

The Silver Fox is still moving. 🦊💪🏾