OK Baby Boomer ladies, here we are.
The generation that ushered in some of history's greatest moments is nearing, at, or already past that magical half-century milestone - age 50.
But like we keep telling ourselves, it's only a number.
Some of us believe it.
Some of us don't.
And some of us say we believe it, and then go home and cry, or meltdown, or drink wine like Kathy Lee (hopefully not at 9am, though).
Regardless of how you feel about turning 50, it's not all that bad.
In fact, it's good.
You're alive and breathing.
You're probably texting but you don't have to worry about sexting - we're too old for that, right? You're probably on Facebook, but you don't really care how many friends you have there - let the 8th graders worry about that.
We're old enough to do whatever we want, and smart enough to know better.
We're also experienced to know that life isn't perfect and never will be.
After 50 years or so on this planet, we've seen a lot, and not all of it was good.
Along the way there might have been health issues, relationship issues, financial issues - the list goes on.
We make the best of it, and continue on.
We are, above all, survivors, in more ways than one.
But here's the thing - and I really believe this - that I keep coming back to: Life Is Good.
And I think that by following these basic tips, it will continue to be good for as long as we are blessed to live it.
Here's my short and simple list to a healthier and happier you.
1.
Eat right.
We grew up on fast food and toxic waste.
That may be a little bit of an exaggeration, but if you were to transport yourself back to the 60's and 70's solely for the purpose of reading food labels, you'd be appalled.
The stuff they were putting in our food back then today looks like a gruesome science experiment.
Things have changed.
We are getting smarter about what's good and what's not.
It's easier than ever today to eat a healthy, wholesome diet.
If you're not already doing that, it's time to start.
Instead of the 3 square meals our parents force fed us, the experts now say to eat multiple, smaller meals throughout the day.
Food companies, stores and restaurants are tuning in to healthy eating, and it's never been easier to find wholesome and nutritious food, pretty much regardless of where you are and what you are doing.
If this is not an area of expertise, start learning about nutrition now.
Eating right doesn't have to be an exercise in draconian discipline.
In fact, it can actually be fun.
And it will add years to your life while taking inches off your waistline.
2.
Exercise I'll make a blanket statement here.
We all need to workout, at least 3 times a week.
I'd recommend more.
And this doesn't mean going to the gym to pump iron like Arnold Schwartzenegger used to.
It might mean just walking to the corner store instead of driving.
Or taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator.
But we all need some form of physical exercise.
It's an absolute requirement.
You can do this anywhere.
Some people find that going to a gym is the only way they can work out.
Having other people around helps.
But others find that having people around is a distraction and that having to actually go someplace for exercise is a pain in the butt.
The hassle of driving somewhere is often cause to just skip it.
If this is you, maybe convert a spare room in the house into a usable workout space.
Whatever your preference, in the immortal words of Nike - just do it.
By the way, one thing a lot of experts are recommending these days is that folks over 50 should incorporate some sort of resistance training into their routines.
This not only promotes muscle tone and function, but can also slow bone loss as well.
Regardless of what you choose to do though, start it today.
Please don't wait.
The generation that ushered in some of history's greatest moments is nearing, at, or already past that magical half-century milestone - age 50.
But like we keep telling ourselves, it's only a number.
Some of us believe it.
Some of us don't.
And some of us say we believe it, and then go home and cry, or meltdown, or drink wine like Kathy Lee (hopefully not at 9am, though).
Regardless of how you feel about turning 50, it's not all that bad.
In fact, it's good.
You're alive and breathing.
You're probably texting but you don't have to worry about sexting - we're too old for that, right? You're probably on Facebook, but you don't really care how many friends you have there - let the 8th graders worry about that.
We're old enough to do whatever we want, and smart enough to know better.
We're also experienced to know that life isn't perfect and never will be.
After 50 years or so on this planet, we've seen a lot, and not all of it was good.
Along the way there might have been health issues, relationship issues, financial issues - the list goes on.
We make the best of it, and continue on.
We are, above all, survivors, in more ways than one.
But here's the thing - and I really believe this - that I keep coming back to: Life Is Good.
And I think that by following these basic tips, it will continue to be good for as long as we are blessed to live it.
Here's my short and simple list to a healthier and happier you.
1.
Eat right.
We grew up on fast food and toxic waste.
That may be a little bit of an exaggeration, but if you were to transport yourself back to the 60's and 70's solely for the purpose of reading food labels, you'd be appalled.
The stuff they were putting in our food back then today looks like a gruesome science experiment.
Things have changed.
We are getting smarter about what's good and what's not.
It's easier than ever today to eat a healthy, wholesome diet.
If you're not already doing that, it's time to start.
Instead of the 3 square meals our parents force fed us, the experts now say to eat multiple, smaller meals throughout the day.
Food companies, stores and restaurants are tuning in to healthy eating, and it's never been easier to find wholesome and nutritious food, pretty much regardless of where you are and what you are doing.
If this is not an area of expertise, start learning about nutrition now.
Eating right doesn't have to be an exercise in draconian discipline.
In fact, it can actually be fun.
And it will add years to your life while taking inches off your waistline.
2.
Exercise I'll make a blanket statement here.
We all need to workout, at least 3 times a week.
I'd recommend more.
And this doesn't mean going to the gym to pump iron like Arnold Schwartzenegger used to.
It might mean just walking to the corner store instead of driving.
Or taking the stairs at work instead of the elevator.
But we all need some form of physical exercise.
It's an absolute requirement.
You can do this anywhere.
Some people find that going to a gym is the only way they can work out.
Having other people around helps.
But others find that having people around is a distraction and that having to actually go someplace for exercise is a pain in the butt.
The hassle of driving somewhere is often cause to just skip it.
If this is you, maybe convert a spare room in the house into a usable workout space.
Whatever your preference, in the immortal words of Nike - just do it.
By the way, one thing a lot of experts are recommending these days is that folks over 50 should incorporate some sort of resistance training into their routines.
This not only promotes muscle tone and function, but can also slow bone loss as well.
Regardless of what you choose to do though, start it today.
Please don't wait.
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