My first invitation from AARP was jarring! At age 50, I was vibrant, physically and mentally youthful, and definitely not a candidate for senior citizenship. Those of us born in 1946, are the first wave of baby boomers, a generation that seeks to age without getting old. We’re rockin’, and definitely not in a chair!
10 REASONS WHY
Have I peeked? Hell no! Shirley Temple peaked at age 7, while others realize their greatest potential later in life. Don’t buy into the “senior” hype. It’s a choice.
The takeaway: If you are convinced that you have peeked, you’re probably correct.
Each of us has a unique talent, often undiscovered. Be inspired by Anna Mary Robertson Moses, “Grandma Moses,” who successfully began a career in the arts later in life. If your passion is snow boarding, you may have missed that window. However, there’s plenty of opportunity to play the violin. Choose hobbies that encourage you to learn and grow.
The takeaway: age and inspiration don’t equate.
I am the captain of my ship, and I refuse to be limited or defined by others. My age, 74, is uniquely defined by me, I am a THRIVER which is an acronym for: Tenacity, Health and Happiness, Resilience, Inspiration, Vitality, and Energy.
The takeaway: have a passion to thrive … not merely survive.
We are classified as senior citizens at the age of sixty or sixty-five, regardless of vast differences in our health, fitness level and vitality. The age at which most people retire from the workforce is generally equated with old age. We have ways to estimate a normal life span, however, the senior citizen classification encompasses 30 to 40 years.
The takeaway: the senior discounts are nice, but we don’t need to lasso everyone into the senior group.
People over 55 become invisible in gyms and health clubs. I have pursued health and fitness for most of my adult life and am fit and strong. With that said, there is no question that my joints have suffered normal wear and tear. Jumping and lunging are no longer in my repertoire. The practices of Yoga and Pilates offer valuable benefits, but are not a substitute for exercises that incorporate resistance.
The takeaway: it is entirely possible to create muscle tone and stronger bones without stressing the joints.
An instructor training program is needed to addresses the fitness needs of baby boomers. Instructors schooled in safe, effective and non-impact exercise variations will accommodate a unique and diverse population.
The takeaway: the population that most needs to strengthen their muscles and bones with resistance-type exercises are often relegated to sedentary programs.
We are a new breed of people over sixty who take pride in our strength and resilience. I created the Body Electric program in 1980, a unique blend of “strength with grace.” I have continually redefined the Body Electric program over 30 years to accommodate a national audience of at-home exercisers. We now have a second generation who are following in the health and fitness footprint of their parents. I love what I do and hope to never retire.
The takeaway: bury us with our sneakers on.
Why are there so many cooking shows and so few exercise programs on TV? I am most familiar with PBS which is supported largely by baby boomers. As a group, we tend to be highly educated, affluent and socially aware. And, our need for physical fitness is largely ignored. With the increasing cost of health care, it makes sense that we cater to baby boomers with physically as well as mentally challenging programs.
The takeaway: sponsors and underwriters who support health and fitness programming carry a positive message.
I am single, youthful in body and spirit and don’t find it all that attractive to define myself as a senior citizen. I am very open about my age, even though I understand that it invokes prejudice. In all honesty, I am also guilty of a prejudice: if you look and act like my grandfather, we are probably not a match.
The takeaway: If my age is a turn-off for you, don’t look at me.
Don’t whisper my age as if it’s a dark secret. I will freely volunteer my age with a loud, clear voice unhampered by judgement or shame. I’m proud to be living at a time when women and men can choose to be relevant regardless of age. We can remain youthful in mind, body, and spirit, and fully expect to be doing our errands at age 90.
The takeaway: you’re only as old as you let yourself be.
