Willie Nelson, 93, recalls 10 days he tried a healthy lifestyle: ‘It was horrible’ – HELLO! Magazine

An Analysis of Willie Nelson’s Career in the Context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals

The career and personal life of musician Willie Nelson, spanning over six decades, offer a unique case study for examining principles related to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of health, sustainable work, and collaborative partnerships.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

Willie Nelson’s approach to personal health demonstrates a long-term commitment to well-being, aligning with the core tenets of SDG 3, which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages. While known for an anti-establishment lifestyle, Nelson has engaged in various health-focused activities throughout his life.

Early Wellness Initiatives

During the 1980s, Nelson and collaborator Merle Haggard undertook specific health initiatives, including:

• A daily two-mile running regimen.
• A 10-day cayenne-pepper juice cleanse.

While these short-term efforts were reportedly met with difficulty, they indicate an underlying awareness of and engagement with personal health management.

Long-Term Commitment to Physical Fitness

A more sustainable and enduring component of Nelson’s wellness strategy has been his dedication to martial arts. His achievements in this field are significant and represent a lifelong commitment to physical and mental discipline.

1. Fifth-degree black belt in Gongkwon Yusul.
2. Second-degree black belt in Taekwondo.

This sustained practice has directly contributed to his longevity and continued ability to perform professionally at an advanced age, embodying the spirit of SDG 3.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

Nelson’s 63-year career serves as an exemplar of sustained productive employment and contribution to the creative economy, reflecting the objectives of SDG 8.

Career Resilience and Milestones

After a brief retirement in 1972, Nelson’s return to music marked a pivotal moment in his career and the country music genre. His subsequent work fostered significant cultural and economic impact.

• Shotgun Willie (1973): This album was instrumental in pioneering the “outlaw country” subgenre, promoting cultural diversification and creating new economic avenues within the music industry.
• Red Headed Stranger (1975): The commercial and critical success of this record solidified his position as a mainstream artist, ensuring long-term economic viability and demonstrating a model for sustainable artistic work.

Continued Economic Contribution

At 93, Nelson remains an active contributor to the economy. The upcoming release of his 78th solo studio album, Workin’ Man: Willie Sings Merle, underscores a career characterized by continuous and decent work.

SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

The enduring professional partnership and friendship between Willie Nelson and Merle Haggard is a powerful illustration of the principles outlined in SDG 17, which emphasizes collaboration to achieve sustainable goals.

A Five-Decade Collaboration

Meeting in the early 1960s, Nelson and Haggard maintained a creative partnership for over 50 years. This relationship yielded a series of successful collaborative projects that have become a significant part of music history.

Key Collaborative Projects

1. Pancho and Lefty (1983)
2. Seashores of Old Mexico (1987)
3. Last of the Breed (1987)
4. Django and Jimmie (2015)

This long-standing alliance highlights how effective partnerships can foster innovation, create shared success, and build a lasting legacy that transcends individual effort. The upcoming tribute album further cements this legacy of collaboration.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article directly addresses this goal by focusing on the personal health and lifestyle choices of Willie Nelson. It highlights his attempts to live a “‘healthy’ lifestyle” through specific activities aimed at physical fitness and well-being, which is the core principle of SDG 3. The text provides anecdotes about his efforts in jogging, diet, and martial arts, all of which fall under the umbrella of promoting health.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • This target is relevant because the article describes preventative health measures and activities that promote well-being. Willie Nelson’s engagement in “running two miles a day” and his dedication to martial arts, where he “holds a fifth degree black belt,” are proactive efforts to maintain physical health and prevent disease, thus promoting long-term well-being, especially significant given his age of 93.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Yes, the article implies indicators related to lifestyle choices that can measure engagement in health-promoting activities.
   • Participation in Physical Activity: The article provides specific, measurable examples of physical activity. The mention of “running two miles a day” is a quantifiable indicator of aerobic exercise. Furthermore, his achievements in martial arts, such as holding a “fifth degree black belt in the Korean martial art of Gongkwon Yusul, plus a second-degree black belt in taekwondo,” serve as indicators of long-term commitment to and proficiency in physical fitness disciplines.
   • Dietary Practices: The article points to dietary choices as a component of a healthy lifestyle. The specific mention of attempting a “10-day cayenne-pepper juice cleanse” is an implied indicator of an individual’s effort to manage their health through diet, even if the experience was negative.

Summary Table

Source: hellomagazine.com