Age is only a number...
Age is only a number...you truly are as young (or old) as you feel.
As I look around at the people in this predominantly 55+ community, I have noticed something that is quite striking to me...the people who 'look' much younger than their biological age have one thing in common -they are mentally and physically active people. I compare these young, vibrant seniors to my own father who just turned 72 years old, a heavy smoker his entire life, use to be a heavy drinker as well but can't tolerate it with his daily regimen of medications, living his sedentary life, has never even read a book or traveled outside of his small town, living (if you can call it that) in extremely poor health that was 100% self-inflicted, and is now basically just sitting around waiting to die. The difference is that these young, vibrant seniors have lived their lives in the opposite fashion that my father has. They stay physically active doing things that they enjoy, they seem to eat a healthier diet because they realize that junk foods make you feel less energetic, they keep their minds active by socializing, reading, and educating themselves about new things.
Just last night we went to the Raven Cafe, a small downtown place that has live music after 8pm on weekends. The place was packed with middle-aged people (and some youngins sprinkled in as well). They are very socially active, seemed to know each other on a first name basis and if they didn't know you already, they were not afraid to get to know you before the evening was over. We met a man who was 68 but I would have guessed he was in his 50's. He hikes, bikes, sails, travels, reads, writes, teaches, is active in civic duties and even dates on a regular basis. He does not appear to be slowing down one bit with age. Because he is so worldly, we had a wonderful time talking with him about all sorts of topics. My husband is even going to meet up with him soon to go sailing. Meeting this man so close to my fathers age made me feel sad that my father did not have this kind of life left in him. It seems that my father gave up growing as a productive human being many decades ago...and his health has gone down hill ever since.
Everyone wishes they new the secret to the fountain of youth...well, this is it - Take care of your body and your mind and it will take care of you. Your muscles need to be used or they will atrophy. Get off of that couch and do something with yourself. Become more social with other active people your age, when you have friends to do things with it is so much more fun and you can help motivate each other. Remember that your brain is a muscle as well...use it or lose it! Read books, newspapers, write a blog, do crossword puzzles to give your brain a workout. Travel, even if only short distances like day trips. Live your life to its fullest by actually living instead of just waiting around to die.
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Posted by Anna at Mid-Life Mama at 1/8/2012 11:55 AM 
Categories: Fitness, Makes You Think..., Health, Aging & Mid-life
Tags: Living Age Social Fitness Mind & Body
Categories: Fitness, Makes You Think..., Health, Aging & Mid-life
Tags: Living Age Social Fitness Mind & Body
Great post and one to make us think about how we are treating our bodies! Thank you!
Hugs, GraceinAZ
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Thank you Grace! Yes, it does bring home the old saying of 'you reap what you sow' doesn't it?
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Well you were right, I did enjoy your article. It has motivated me to keep on keeping on so to speak. Keep sharing things you learn it helps others. Hope you have a great week.
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Welcome Michelle,
I will keep sharing what I learn...feel free to share as well
You keep on keeping on girl!!
~Anna
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It is amazing the difference in how some mature. I do believe a lot has to do with your outlook, involving yourself in your community and how you take care of your mind and body.
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Yes Grace it is. Some of how we age is genetics I am sure, but most of it is how well we take care of the only body we get! Mind and Body both need our love and attention.
As I always say, "Smile, it makes you feel good on the inside"
~Anna
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LOVE THIS!!!
GREAT article!!!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
SO true!
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This article resonated so much with me. I see the same in my father, so sad. I live in a area where the culture starts referring to itself as "old" at 40. Imagine that! I am 54 and plan to get younger every year until my body says no more. Wonderful article. I am working on something and I may contact you soon. Thanks. Donna
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When I look at some of the old TV shoes, it seems people looked a lot older than they actually were. I'm not sure if it was makeup or lifestyle.
I believe seniors are much more active these days, and that's a good thing.
Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
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Excellent post on comparing the difference! Thanks for inspiring me to keep active! It's so easy to find myself spending too much time sitting and not moving about!
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