Have exercise enthusiasts inadvertently discovered the Fountain of Youth? Does exercise really keep us young? As an avid tennis player, I have had the good fortune to meet some seniors who have become my health and fitness idols.
I have met several men and women in their 80's and even in their 90's, going strong, playing tennis with 40 and 50 year olds, and keep up with them.
Of course, their eye hand coordination and reflexes are not quite as sharp, but they move around the court, run for the balls, twist and turn and bend and jump up like any athlete.
And, I rarely hear them complain about aches and pains and injuries.
One lady, Billie, currently in her 90's, continues to compete in national USTA tournametns against other ladies in their 80's and 90's, athough the competition has dwindled over the years.
She still travels around the country, plays the scheduled 2 out of 3 sets regardless of the weather conditions or time of day.
Her mind is sharp and her body is trim and fit.
Another lady, Alice, currently approaching 90, travels regularly to conferences where she presents workshops and connects with colleagues.
And then, after a busy conference schedule, she flies to a different state to compete in her next tournament.
And then there is Stewart, an attractive man who is now approaching 93.
Last year he drove across the country by himself.
The last time I saw him he was still playing with a Friday night tennis league against many much younger opponents and having the time of his life.
Once, after a vigorous 2 hours of round robin mixing and matching of partners, someone asked him: "Steward, What;s your secret for staying so fit and playing tennis so well at your age? Without taking much time to think, Steward replied: "Begin at 70.
That way you don't wear out your bones and need a hip replacement.
" Are these three avid tennis players just anomalies, freaks of nature, men and women born to good stock? I don't think so.
We human beings have much greater potential for longevity and healthy living than most of us have realized.
If we keep our body moving, keep it fit, keep it trim and refuse to believe that we are getting "old," we might just be able to fool our body into acting as it did when we were much younger.
Baby boomers beware.
As the first round of baby boomers turn 65 in 2011, we have the opportunity to start now to preserve our health and maintain our fitness.
The earlier we start, the longer we can sustain ourselves.
Even if we are stricken with some unforeseen illness, the stronger we keep our body now the more easily we may be able to recuperate.
If you're looking for the fountain of youth in a pill, an age-defying serum, or plastic surgery, take a good hard look at your body, your health and your current lifestyle.
Find a way to add regular and consistent exercise into your daily and weekly routines.
If tennis is not your thing, try dancing, swimming, bicycling, hiking or whatever activity appeals to you.
Get started slowly and just do it.
After the initial early aches and pains, your body and your spirit will be so grateful.
I have met several men and women in their 80's and even in their 90's, going strong, playing tennis with 40 and 50 year olds, and keep up with them.
Of course, their eye hand coordination and reflexes are not quite as sharp, but they move around the court, run for the balls, twist and turn and bend and jump up like any athlete.
And, I rarely hear them complain about aches and pains and injuries.
One lady, Billie, currently in her 90's, continues to compete in national USTA tournametns against other ladies in their 80's and 90's, athough the competition has dwindled over the years.
She still travels around the country, plays the scheduled 2 out of 3 sets regardless of the weather conditions or time of day.
Her mind is sharp and her body is trim and fit.
Another lady, Alice, currently approaching 90, travels regularly to conferences where she presents workshops and connects with colleagues.
And then, after a busy conference schedule, she flies to a different state to compete in her next tournament.
And then there is Stewart, an attractive man who is now approaching 93.
Last year he drove across the country by himself.
The last time I saw him he was still playing with a Friday night tennis league against many much younger opponents and having the time of his life.
Once, after a vigorous 2 hours of round robin mixing and matching of partners, someone asked him: "Steward, What;s your secret for staying so fit and playing tennis so well at your age? Without taking much time to think, Steward replied: "Begin at 70.
That way you don't wear out your bones and need a hip replacement.
" Are these three avid tennis players just anomalies, freaks of nature, men and women born to good stock? I don't think so.
We human beings have much greater potential for longevity and healthy living than most of us have realized.
If we keep our body moving, keep it fit, keep it trim and refuse to believe that we are getting "old," we might just be able to fool our body into acting as it did when we were much younger.
Baby boomers beware.
As the first round of baby boomers turn 65 in 2011, we have the opportunity to start now to preserve our health and maintain our fitness.
The earlier we start, the longer we can sustain ourselves.
Even if we are stricken with some unforeseen illness, the stronger we keep our body now the more easily we may be able to recuperate.
If you're looking for the fountain of youth in a pill, an age-defying serum, or plastic surgery, take a good hard look at your body, your health and your current lifestyle.
Find a way to add regular and consistent exercise into your daily and weekly routines.
If tennis is not your thing, try dancing, swimming, bicycling, hiking or whatever activity appeals to you.
Get started slowly and just do it.
After the initial early aches and pains, your body and your spirit will be so grateful.
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