Age and Fitness from a New Perspective

A Fit Second Half™ (formerly Power-Plus Fitness) is on a mission to guide you, as an older adult, to recognize your POWER to “live fit in the second half of life!”  The challenge I propose is for you to approach aging from a new paradigm.  It is a pattern for living that directly impacts your quality of life and thus puts health and wellness at the forefront of your daily life.  Because the truth is you still have half of your life ahead of you.  The choice is yours to make these years your best lived!

Being 50+ is certainly not what it used to be.  Like never before, the notion that “age is only a number” is actually ringing true.  Many older adults are fully engaged in active lifestyles that include recreational and competitive sports, weight training, gardening, travel and chasing grandkids.  Popular culture has colorfully declared that “40 is the new 30…50, the new 40” and my personal favorite, “60 is the new sexy!”  No doubt, there is great potential for living longer and stronger!

Nevertheless, many of us are aware that in the United States we are plagued by an unprecedented rise in obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, cancer and other chronic illnesses.  More than one-third of all adults in this country are obese.  Although exercise is highly regarded as the best form of obesity and disease prevention, statistics reveal that over 75% of the American adult population does not meet the recommended minimum standard of 30 minutes of low-to-moderate daily exercise.  Today, the fast pace of life can easily continue well into our later years.  The idea of taking thirty minutes out of the day for exercise can seem impossible.  Also, it is common for sedentary older adults to believe their exercise days are well behind them.  Yet, regardless of age, what we fail to remember is that the level of health we experience is a direct reflection of the amount of effort we put into it.

Of course, the aging process itself brings about a host of physiological changes that can greatly impact the quality of life experienced by older adults.  The nervous system, skeletal system, muscular system and the cardiorespiratory system are all impacted by the process of aging.  The good news?  Regular exercise and continued physical activity are the best counteractive measures to protect and preserve the integrity of these systems.

Being fit and healthy requires your attention and intention.

Committing to a lifestyle of exercise and healthy eating is not easy.  I commend you on your willingness and desire to take control of your health and well-being.  IT IS NEVER TOO LATE.  Starting and maintaining an effective wellness program that includes the right mix of exercise, diet and mental fitness takes a fair amount of discipline, tenacity and know-how.  In the pages of this weblog, you will find a wealth of information that will have a positive impact on your quality of life.  You will find practical information and instruction that you can begin to apply today.  I strive to offer the support you need to stay MOTIVATED and COMMITTED, be INSPIRED and INFORMED.  Lastly, I hope that you will be inspired to share your stories and winning advice.  Please reply to posts when you are so moved.  Chances are your invaluable experience will make a major difference in someone’s life.

Begin believing today that your “second half” doesn’t have to be plagued by pain, chronic illness, injury, low energy and unwanted weight gain.  Do not give into the notion that it all just “par for the course”.  Sure, we respect the aging process but we also respect our ability to take control of our well-being.  Choose to “exercise” your power to “be healthy, stay active and live long!”