Act Your Age

I recently read the following on one of the bulletin boards I frequent:

"I'll be 52 next week. The only thing I don't like is that I'm expected to "act my age" - that's not fair. I want to dance and have fun and ride my bike and skate and water ski - so I do and most people think I'm nuts. Oh well."

Hey, if she's nuts, then so am I. I'm 52. I like to run, bike, swim, race around. I’m fit, I've got the energy for it. So, why shouldn’t I? Who says I can’t? Who the heck are “they,” anyway?

Y’know what I think? I think you‘re too old when they shovel dirt on you. Anytime before that, though, anything‘s possible. You want to run? Do it. Work up to it, if you’re out of shape. (Talk to your doc, though, first.) You want to water ski? Go for it. You only live once. Life should be about change and new experiences. It should not be about decay and dwindling opportunities.

Exercise is one of the greatest things you can do for your body. Exercise keeps you young, keeps your blood chemistry balanced. You are, after all, an organic machine. You are made to move. Everything works better when you do. Not coincidentally, exercise can help you lose weight, as well as maintain your loss.

Time was, though, when “they” thought that it was dangerous to do certain things once you got past age 40 or so. Doctors thought that exercise -- competitive exercise, anyway . . . anything much more strenuous than walking or a nice round of golf, was bad for you, once you got “up in years.” They thought that a low pulse and an enlarged heart signaled disease. Folks were supposed to make a gradual change, with age, from a life of the body to a life of the mind.

We know a lot more now than we did then, of course. We know that a low pulse can be a marker for fitness. We know that exercise is good for just about everyone, even heart patients. Nevertheless, old notions persist: old wive’s tales, admonitions to avoid overexertion, fatalistic attitudes. “Act your age” becomes a mantra that’s repeated mindlessly, without much thought about why.

So . . . get out. Move. Act your age -- your real age -- the age you are on the inside. There’s no time like right now. See what you’re capable of. I’m betting it’s a whole lot more than you think. Despite what “they” think.

* * * * *

Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 And Beyond

Cycling Past 50

Exercise: A Necessary Component in a Program for Vascular Health

Comments

[Linda]

Thanks for this. I remember when my grandmother was the age I am now. She considered herself an old lady. Not me!

I'm not athletic as you, but I love to play, physically. I took up yoga at 47, and did my first headstands and handstands at 48 and 49 (I had never even done this as a little kid!)

I started to run a couple of years ago, and was really loving it when I injured my knees by overdoing it. One thing age can give us, if we choose to listen to our bodies, is some wisdom. I've now strengthened my legs with some weight training, and I've got a GRADUAL, and more playful running program planned. I am beginning to run again, and this time I'll bring in my grown up adult wisdom and do it in a way that lets me keep running. I want to be playing, physically, in whatever way feels good, at 85.

Thanks, as ever, for the inspiration!

[Debbie]

Linda, you've got me on the head and handstands! I'm not too good at that sort of thing, never was. ;-) You are right; with age, we approach our activities with (hopefully) more wisdom and balance.

[Martha]

Debbie, this is so very true. I have a 63 year old friend who said his dad got old at 60 (now 84) and he is not going to have the same "I'm ready to die" attitude!!!
I also am fitter and leaner then I was 30 years ago. I love riding my bike! I love the high I get from knowing I can.
I do act my age! My internal one!

[Debbie]

Yes, Martha!

Why do we ride?

Because we can!