What is your REAL age?

 Yesterday was my birthday. Yup, another year older, 74. Scary huh? I am getting closer to the three quarter of a century mark. What worries me, and I am sure, most people is that I can't do what I use to do when I was 30 or 40 or maybe 50... well maybe 30. 

Anyone that is around me lately knows I still do a lot of stuff I did when I was 40 or 50. I don't know if most people can say that. Some think they can, and when they do, they are hurt for the next week. I am not bragging. I am just saying I am fortunate and driven to be active and have the drive to do things.

I see men younger than I who look and act ten years older than me. So when I am down on myself, I think 'That is what I COULD look like'. 

I truly believe staying active, both physically and mentally is how you keep yourself young. Not sitting around watching TV or just being lazy. I will admit there are times when I am hurting and just have to sit and do nothing. But when I can, I am up and going (mostly in my shop working on cars or trucks, or maybe building stuff, hiking or on my gym equipment).  I will also admit, there are people who can not be that active because of injuries or health issues. That is a given. There are 74 year old men and women that can leave in their dust. I have seen them in action, and they are awesome. They are truly driven in a sport, or working.

My point is, being 50, 60 or 74 does not give you permission to be a couch potato. We live in a very privileged country which has a lot of distractions from participating in physical activates such as running, hiking, walking, biking, softball, swimming or volunteering. 

Our country, on an average, is one of the most overweight countries in the world.  The advantage to being active, it is good for your heart, it is good for your lungs, it builds muscles, and you'll lose weight. Some people actually get a 'high' from exercise, especially if they push themselves. But don't push TOO hard. Just a brisk walk in the morning as far as you can go, then try to increase it a little more each day.

Before you do any exercise, stretch your legs, back and arms. loosen those muscles first, and drink water during and after your exercise.

You'll feel better about yourself mentally and physically. But as always, consult with trainers, and or with your doctor if you have health considerations.

Just one little brag on my part, when I was 15 years old I weighed 178 pounds... I still do. But gravity has shifted some parts around, unfortunately.

Take care, stay safe and go out there.