Nobody really warns you about getting older. One day you’re hauling furniture, staying up until 2 a.m., and bouncing back from just about anything. Then somewhere after 50, you sleep in the wrong position and need three days to recover. Your knees start making noises, your back develops opinions, and getting down on the floor becomes much easier than getting back up.
Welcome to life after 50, when dropping something on the floor triggers an important decision: Do I really need that? Usually, the answer is no.
Getting older may be inevitable, but falling apart isn’t. Here are four ways to keep the wheels from coming completely off.
Build That Core
Your core isn’t just about abs you haven’t seen since the (first) Bush administration. Strong abdominal, back and pelvic muscles help with balance, posture, and everyday movements. Simple exercises can make a real difference.
Lift Something Besides the Remote
Muscle mass declines as we age, so strength training becomes increasingly important. Weights, resistance bands and body-weight exercises can help maintain muscle and bone strength.
Keep Moving
Walking, biking, swimming – pick something you’ll actually do. Regular aerobic exercise helps your heart, stamina, mobility, and overall health. The couch, unfortunately, does not count as exercise equipment.
Work on Balance and Flexibility
Falls become more dangerous with age. Balance exercises, stretching, yoga, or tai chi can help keep you steadier and more flexible. Believe me, I know. I’m currently in the middle of PT on a knee injury. I’m not sure what I did but I remember falling three times in the late spring. Hence, this article for the rest of you to wise up and work on your body before it betrays you.
Getting old isn’t for sissies. But with a stronger body and a little effort, you can at least make Father Time work harder for the win.