Does your body need to feel old?

All of us need to be careful that we don’t talk ourselves into being older, and find many excuses to sit down, probably more than we actually need to. Sadly the more we sit the weaker our legs and trunk gets, and the more unfit we become. Then we actually try to do things we can’t do them, as we have lost muscle strength and fitness. It’s not  getting older which is the problem, but  it is actually being unfit.

Meet Mr “70”

This man is 70. Sure he spends time in the gym working on his body, and this is the result. He has the physique of a much younger man. He watches his diet so he doesn’t put on weight and keeps his muscles toned. Many think it is not normal for an  “older man” to look like this. However sometimes we need to be challenged about ageism- Thinking that older can’t or shouldn’t being doing things at a certain age.

Meet Ruth – Aged 100

Ruth started going to the gym at age 95. At 100 she was going to the gym 5 days a week, bench pressing 25kg. She also successfully competed in the Maters Games at age 100.

What do we know?

We know from the research that is essential to continue to challenge our body with exercise we can keep or improve strength, and improve fitness- despite our age. We just need a plan to  get moving and exercising day by day. 

What if I am not like Mr 70 and Ruth?

Mr 70 and Ruth are blessed with good genes and have avoided any debilitating diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis and Parkinson’s or stroke. However, even if you have these problems it is essential you keep moving to the best of your ability to keep up your strength. Remember “move it or lose”- and that applies to all of us.

Keeping Young in the Mind

It is also essential to work out strategies in which we can keep young in our thinking, have fun, and socialise- with people of all ages. This will keep our thinking fresh and challenged and as such keep us young.