Use It, Don't Lose It

Too many times I hear the phrase, "That's what happens when you get old." I still don't understand this one. Just because our number gets larger doesn't mean we can't move around or participate in the things we love. Now yes, I will agree that a 70 year old may not be able to be on the same level as an 18 year old but it doesn't mean that a 70 year old can't be active. As we age we lose our ability to function as well but we can delay this by keeping active and "staying young." Both physically and mentally, we can keep our health at a higher status by using what we have and continuing to stay active.

If you are starting to age and feel that that larger number attached to you is holding you back, get out there and get moving. Start walking, take some yoga classes, get into the gym and start a strength training program. If you are not sure what you need to be doing then find a professional (BodyQuest hint hint) and let that professional assess you and create a program to your needs. Just by improving your range of motion, strength, and stability, not only will you feel better but you will also prevent the aches and pains that tend to plague us as we age. Along with the health benefits you might just make some new friends as well.

Physical limitations are not the only thing that tend to haunt aging individuals but also mental problems. I have heard my grandparents too many times blame age for a loss of memory or lack of knowledge. Once again we can't fully prevent some losses in memory and things of that nature but we can once again slow down this process. It has been researched and proven that continuing usage of the brain and challenging ourselves mentally can keep brain functioning at a higher level than if we tend to stop using it. Things such as reading, crossword puzzles, different IQ games, and even surfing around on the Internet will stimulate the brain and keep the neurons firing at a quicker rate.

So don't fall victim to thinking that there is nothing we can do about aging. Get proactive and get a trainer, start improving your body physically, and keep using that brain. Fight old age and you can stay young as long as you want.