It's challenging to stay in shape (much less get back in shape) the older I get. I am one of the
baby boomers. That's a person born between 1946 and 1964; those born during the post World War II baby boom. Since there are so many of us, we tend to believe we're still young and can do anything.
However, today's culture tends to celebrate youth. So we attempt to hold on as long as we can. After all, inside I feel the same way I did when I was in my twenties. That is, until I look in the mirror or attempt to run up the mountain.
Yesterday, I read this revealing post on my friend Liz's Facebook profile. I've included it today after requesting her permission.
As anyone can attest to, getting out of shape is very easy. This year due to major depression lasting 4-6 months, I decided not to work out or swim. I did actually go to beach 2-4 times (no exercise involved) and pool same as above.
Well Liz is back and I'm working out in house and pool until the pool gets cold around November. This is necessary for body and mind/brain, as well as my age of 60 years. I'm already hurting, but I don't care. No pain no gain.
Have a lovely day and thanks for reading, love you all Liz
Almost immediately, I noticed a barrage of comments from many of my high school friends. Many offered advice about walking and starting slowly. Others shared how they suffered from a variety of ailments, including back problems, arthritis, fibromyalgia, and depression. But what I came away with was that it's easy to gain weight as we get older but much harder to get it off and keep it off.
One of my high school friends Elisabeth continues to be in great shape. She responded to Liz with encouragement and wrote that over time the workouts will become a habit. Isn't that what I've been saying? Btw, Elisabeth teaches Water Dance, a warm water therapy session and wellness classes. And she's the same age as me.
According to
Biomarkers: The 10 Determinants of Aging You Can Control, a person's basal metabolism drops about 2% per decade starting at age 20. As your metabolism decreases you need less calories. So to simply maintain the status quo, you need to take in about 100 calories less per day with each decade. Too many of us continue to eat as those we were 20 years old!
So what do we do about this?
- Decrease the amount of calories eaten each day
- Choose what we eat carefully so as not to waste them on empty calories
- Increase muscle mass with weights
- Increase aerobic capacity through exercises such as walking, bicycling, swimming
- Include stretching in your daily routine
There are many practical steps to getting back in shape as we age. This is just a start. I hope to continue this series.
Even if you're young there's much you can learn now to prevent problems as you get older. After all, it happens to the best of us!
I'm linking up with Kim of Just For Clicks for Weigh-In
Weigh-In Wednesday. Oh and by the way, I'm sticking with my exercise plan which has now become a habit. I still need to modify and improve my eating habits though. But it's a work in progress and I'm committed.
Blessings and love,
