Life As A House (2001)

Fitness in Your Fifties – Loving Life

Do you realize that in 2012 years the first round of baby boomers will hit 65?!!  That used to be the age that people officially retired.  Of course the retirement age has been raised and I don’t think the baby boomers are going to be like 65 year olds of the past!  There has been a lot of research done on how the aging process has changed.  They are now calling 50 the new 30.  This means that lifestyles and activities of today’s fifty year olds are equivalent to the 30 year olds of previous generations.

There is a wonderful organization called the Red Hat Society that was started in 2001 by a group of women that were all over 50 and felt that life still had a lot to offer.  To quote the founder, Sue Ellen Cooper, “The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next.”  It’s this attitude and love of life that will keep the 65+ crowd on their toes.  Even if they don’t live to be 100…the years they live beyond 65 will be active and fun…no rocking chairs for this generation!

Research shows that belong to an organization like this gives older adults a reason to get out of the house…get dressed up…get moving.  One of the things that prematurely can age someone is inactivity.  If all you do is sit at home and watch TV, your body and your mind will start to atrophy.  Instead all of us “older adults” need to get involved in organizations and activities that force us out of the house and give us a reason to be with other people.  One of the big things that takes place when you get groups of people together for fun…is laughter.  Laughter is amazing for our well being.  It takes much less effort to laugh than to wince or frown and it uses so many of our abdominal muscles.  Think of how much it hurts to laugh after you’ve had any surgery that affects your abdominal area.  Joining a group that has women (or men) that span several decades makes things interesting.  It teaches the younger members of the group that you don’t have to go quietly into old age.  Have you ever taken an aerobics class with 70-80 year olds?  It’s inspirational!  It’s amazing to hear someone 70 years old talk about having problems with her mother…hey that means her mother is in her 90’s!  Staying connected to others increases our life expectancy.  A network of friends is important at any age, but especially after the age of 50.  It’s someone to look in on you…someone to be accountable to…someone to share life’s trials and tribulations with.  There is a growing body of women 50+ who are single and plan to stay that way.  These are active, professional women.  They enjoy their freedom, as well as the companionship of the opposite gender.  These women will be turning the definition of aging on its ear!  Many of these women are shakers and movers in their communities.  They are often the “super volunteers”.  These women have a lot to give and they give of themselves whole-heartedly.  In turn the benefits they reap continue to help them stay young and connected to friends and family.

If you are over 50 and don’t belong to any organizations (this can be a class at the Y, a church group, a sports team, a bridge club, a service organization, a hiking group, etc.) you need to make the promise to yourself to find one you like and join before the summer is over.  You will make new friends, expand your horizons, challenge your mind and in general feel better about life.  If you don’t know where to begin, the internet is a great resource.  Type in some keywords of activities you are interested in and your hometown.  You’ll be amazed at what will pop up.  Being fit at this age is so much more than working out!

About the Author

Judy is an active 50-something. She taught group exercise at the YMCA for 20 years. Judy completed her first marathon at 48 and her first triathlon at 54. She tries to encourage and inspire everyone to become and stay active…especially the baby boomers.

Life As A House : Part 1

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