How Old is Too Old to Improve a Physical Problem?
by Barbara Morris

As we age there is a tendency to accept physical and mental decline as inevitable.
After all, we know we are not designed to live forever. However, we often blame many problems on the aging process instead of recognizing the real culprit – not assuming more responsibility for taking care of and working to keep what we have. It’s human nature -- we are all guilty of neglect and valuing ourselves less than we should. The good news: as long as we live and breathe, we can take control and turn things around.

I’ll never forget a statement on the back cover of a book by gerontologist. John W. Rowe, M.D. The message, (not the exact words) is profound and it’s forever engraved in my memory: Seventy percent of the aging process is controllable with wise lifestyle choices. Only thirty percent of how well we age is the result of heredity. How exciting is that?

So where am I going with this? Undoubtedly you’ve seen a piece of exercise equipment called a Gazelle advertised on TV infomercials and home shopping shows. My husband purchased one because he felt it would be easier on his arthritic knees than our treadmill, which we use faithfully every day.

Long story short: In addition to walking on the treadmill for 30 minutes a day, I decided I could probably burn additional calories by using the Gazelle. I figured that instead of sitting through Wheel of Fortune and Jeopardy, for that hour, I could be doing something productive.

After several months, much to my surprise, I noticed several physical improvements. First, my waist is whittled down. (Thus far, it has done nothing for my hips, but then, only God performs miracles!)

Then, over the past year, I developed a mild case of “restless legs syndrome” – it’s now disappeared.

Most remarkable of all, is the effect using the Gazelle has had on my back, which has been the bane of my existence since my teen years. Over time, with exercise, nutrition and sheer determination my back has gotten better, but it never lets me forget it’s there. Since using the Gazelle, my back is in amazing condition. It’s in such good shape that I’ve decided I’m going to do some needed painting on the inside of my home. I would not have considered doing that before using the Gazelle.

There are several Gazelle models – mine is the wimpiest of them all. It doesn’t take a lot of effort to use it – just plain old mind over matter. Sure, I’d prefer to sit and watch my favorite TV programs, but it’s no longer an option. I realize that if I want to keep the improvements I now have, I must continue to work at it.

But that’s the way life is. Youth is a gift, and it doesn’t take much to take care of it while we have it. But youth is sneaky -- it makes us think we are always going to be young so we neglect to take steps to keep the best of the pre-midlife years. The reality is, if you want to keep youthful attributes, (and you can) it takes effort. Remember, seventy percent of how well you age is under your personal control. Internalize that reality and put it to work to help you stay strong, healthy, independent, and ageless!

About the Author:
Barbara Morris is the author of Put Old on Hold. A 76-year-old powerhouse she is a popular speaker and a working pharmacist. Barbara overturn traditional thinking about “aging gracefully” in our society.