The Physics of Aging

A little over a year ago I published my first Choice Connections blog on staying active in your older years.  That topic still fascinates me today.  I’m curious why some people appear to be older and frailer than contemporaries who may actually be years older.  I remember a woman I met at a senior living community some time ago.  She was zooming down the hallway to get to an appointment- she wasn’t using a walking device and didn’t seem to have difficulty getting around; she stopped to talk to me for a bit and then continued on her way.  It wasn’t until much that my friend who worked at the community told me that she was 101!  I was astonished and inspired by how fantastic she looked.  Then it hit me…I was letting a very common misconception cloud my judgment.  The fact that in our society we believe that getting older is equivalent to poor health or a loss in ability.  What we see now with the new wave of older adults is that age is, in fact, just a number.  Yes genetics can play a role, but so can your mental attitude and determination to keep moving.

I recently Googled, “Notable Older Athletes”, and an article from The Daily Burn popped up first.  The article profiled athletes over 65 competing in sports like kite boarding, triathlons and competitive cycling.  Jacinto Bonilla caught my eye- he’s 77 and a Crossfit champion, a sport that I’ve always been too afraid to try!

A 77 year old Crossfit champion doesn’t jive with how older adults are portrayed in our society. So, there is a disconnect between what older adults can do and what they are seen doing. It’s important to see yourself as being capable of engaging in an active lifestyle. I encourage you to join local groups that are welcoming to older adults, like Silver Sneakers, Geri-Fit Exercise Class or Seniors Yoga.