A case for being fit in our 50s
I am not a doctor, nutritionist, or personal trainer but I am a fit woman in her 50s. To date, my reasons for living a healthy lifestyle including exercise and nutrition have been related to my desire to reduce stress, maintain weight, and feel good. But as I age, I recognize that what I do now determines my level of activity in my later years. One of my primary goals is to live an active life in my 60s, 70s, and 80s. An article in AARP by Barbara Brody “5 Things to Do in Your 50s to be Active at 80,” (AARP June 2, 2021) reinforces this thinking, “Whatever you have planned for your next act, you’ll want to be in good enough shape to enjoy it.” I am sure you understand this reasoning but perhaps you have a hard time starting or sticking to a plan.
You might not be sure how to start. The article referenced above describes 5 things to do in your 50s, the first of which is to understand your current health by getting baseline numbers. In meeting with your physician, she will also likely be able to give you goals for a healthy weight and ways to improve your diet if necessary. You can also join a gym that has programs for increasing your movement and strength training. Use the resources available to understand how to start and what goals you should set.
You set unreasonable expectations. If you are just starting on your fitness journey, set goals that you can achieve. It might be exhilarating to set a goal to run a ½ marathon but that may not be where to start. The journey will be very difficult and potentially discouraging. Build up to your ultimate goal by running the 5K first. The success of running the 5K will make you feel great, and you can then build upon that to get to the ½ marathon.
You have a lack of motivation. If you lack motivation, set a short-term goal that is impactful. For example, maybe you are going on a cruise in 6 months. Your motivation may be to feel confident wearing a new bathing suit and you are going to change up your diet to lose 10 pounds. That is a short enough time horizon with a reasonable goal that will be motivating.
You have a busy schedule. You are motivated to be fitter but have difficulty finding time to do it. In her article, “How To Make Time for Exercise – Even When You’re Super Busy,” Noma Nazich (Forbes, February 28, 2020) outlines ways to do this including taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther away from the office front door, exercising while your kids are in sports practice and moving your body while watching TV.
If you are looking forward to a long active life, the best way to start is by starting today. Set reasonable goals, use the resources available, do what you like and what makes you feel good, and celebrate your successes along the way. Good luck!