Age becomes the great equalizer later in life.
If you’re like me, you’re not feeling your age right now – at least not mentally. I mean, where did the years go? It just doesn’t make sense. In my mind, I’m decades younger – that is, until I happen to catch a reflection of myself in a store window, etc. Am I fooling myself? Should I just give in, buy an RV and spend my winters in Florida?
Though I still feel like the young version of myself, there’s no denying that, physically, something is going on. For example, that stiff feeling I had this morning as I rose out of bed; surely that was the 5km walk I just did, right? Well, yes, it would make sense had it not been three days since that walk.
I don’t know if it’s just me, but my body is having a hard time keeping up with my brain, and sometimes I end up paying the price. Though I’m getting on in years, I’m up for just about anything as long as I don’t wind up hurting myself. Jogging, hiking, skiing, and the gym – I never think about being too old because, so far, my age isn’t slowing me down much. Yes, time marches on, but I’ve stayed in reasonable shape and that lessens the perception somehow. Am I fooling myself?
Yes, time catches up with us all, no matter how we perceive ourselves. I mean, your age is your age, and nothing is going to change that.
Think about how long your body has served you. Years of walking, running, bending, stretching, physical work, stress, environmental pollutants, work-related toxins, and food chemicals that have accumulated in your system; all that is going to affect you as you age – there is just no getting around it. After all, we don’t live in a bubble. And that’s not taking into account that physical age is real; There’s not one living thing on the planet that can escape it. Your bones, muscles, tendons, and so forth are getting old, plain and simple.
For me, I like to think that I can at least go a little longer than normal and try to slow down the inevitable. I look at old school mates on Facebook and I can scarcely believe it’s the same person from high school. I know it’s them because I can see some resemblance if I look closely enough, but wow! Not that I’m doing so much better, but I’ve still got my weight under control and my mobility is great – knock on wood.
Lately, I’ve come to realize that exercise, eating healthy food, and keeping my bad habits under control (I like the odd patio beer on a warm summer day ) are key to a healthy lifestyle going forward. I no longer have youth to come and clean up after me. I can no longer recover as I did back in the day. The older I get, the more I have to be mindful of this. Heck, I can even feel a physical change in my body if I eat crap food (french fries, pizza, candy, etc). Maybe it’s psychological, but it definitely seems real; I just feel so sluggish after eating junk. Years ago I would have laughed at the thought. Back then , I could eat just about anything and maintain a 28-inch waist; even into my 20’s.
Age works against you, and gradually you have to make adjustments and sacrifices. Nutrition and exercise start playing a huge role when it comes to your well being. If you want to maintain your mobility, fight off disease, and extend your life, then you’ve got to make an effort. For me, I think it’s worth it.
Good food and exercise – that’s what it’s all about for me looking forward. At least those are two things that are within my control.
