Aging

[shootingstar]

At 50 and 60 I will probably feel more negative physical effects from being older, but they may well be counterbalanced by positive effects too, and as fitness and activity goes, I might even have more time for this as my son grows up.

Hard to know about the future..but at least being on a positive path of good lifestyle is helpful.
More than a few yrs. ago, I realize now what a terrific foundation for development of my body/health based on how I was raised as a kid and what I was fed. I see similar benefits in all my siblings who may not be in all perfect health but none have respiratory nor cardiovascular problems and all of us are 41-51 yrs. Of course none of us smoke, did drugs nor drink alcohol much. (Genetic ability to get drunk on very little booze, helps here. ) So I let my mother's lectures about processed foods, fatty stuff, etc. roll over me. I used to get real impatient listening to this and thought she was paranoid. Now I am grateful to her healthy parenting re: health of us during our tender years. And to my father who shared the news media stories about unhealthy foods, etc. with her and us to inform us at that time.

Since my partner is 16 yrs. older than I, I am semi-conscious that we do the cycling and other very physically active stuff now. Whenever we do a long touring ride or we're up snowshoeing in the mountains, I think to myself: 'Why do people want to wait until retirement to do these activities?" It should be now, when you're still healthy. Even if one is healthy now, there is still the tendency to think....let's wait in xx years to do xxxx cycling trip.

I am learning that the wishful future opportunity could have 50% chance of only becoming true and it becomes more unattainable as the years march along.

It doesn't mean one should be impulsive and unwisely do all sorts of stuff now, unprepared physically or financially. But each year, for me, means trying to live abit more mindfully.

I don't wish to worship at the temple of my body/health, since there's other non-exercise stuff/skills that are lying latent, also waiting to develop/spring out to life again. I hope to achieve a balance in life/perspective.

[katluvr]

Well Michelem, you didn't hi-jack my thread and probably some of what was in my thread (my post and others) are strongly related/intertwined with aging.

And everything everyone says here is true. But I think "I" am just in that place/space where I am not dealing well. Or maybe more reality is hitting me.
I have always fought my weight...who thought it would be easier for me now.
My legs...well you know how I feel about that.
And what about that "fat" on my back, where did that come from?!
Yep, wear those darn reading glasses from the drugstore and my arms and the lighting is just not good enough at a resturant anymore
I don't worry about grey hair...been dying it for ever.
Yes, those lines on my face..around my mouth...where did they come from?
And that back ache of mine...

I could go on and on.

I do more than alot of people my age, I have done more than many sedentary or non-adventurous people. There are people my age that look, act, etc older.

That all being said...what I "think" or "feel" my age is definitely does NOT correspond w/ my chronological age. And although that is a good thing...some times when I DO say my age or seriously look in the mirror...the reality sets in and I don't always like it.

So what will I do about it? Clean up my diet a bit, have a little more fun on the bike, I got a new hair cut last visit, maybe a newer more flattering swim suit...and if all that doesn't work...I glass of wine!

K