A common myth about aging says that after 50, people (especially women) face a dreary life of loneliness, physical difficulty, and despair. But the opposite is true for millions, who are finding that the "grandma years" are turning out to be the best time of their lives.
Read MoreWas it Freud who said we can’t get through the day without telling ourselves seven little lies? Or was it that magazine at the dentist’s office? Doesn’t matter! The point is: We all love to tell ourselves “harmless” fibs to avoid doing something we know we “should” do. It’s easier than confronting the truth and finding new, powerful motivation to make positive changes.
Read MoreWhen Glenna Brown’s husband became ill, she found that regular exercise at a nearby studio helped her deal with the stress and remain strong enough to be a good caregiver. When he died, Glenna (above, left) found more: a loving support group that helped her through her loss and a new friend who was going through a similar experience.
Read MoreLike most women of her generation, Margaret Cone, now 79, never saw much reason to lift weights. She had always been pretty active and tried to stay in decent shape. Her family had a strong health history. But about 10 years ago, Margaret noticed she had gained weight from the long hours she was putting in at her sedentary job. And to make things worse, her doctor diagnosed her with high blood pressure.
Read MoreDon Phillips won a slew of medals at the recent National Senior Games. But the real value of his healthy lifestyle is far more ordinary. It’s also what so many people want as they get older: functional fitness.
Read MoreWhen it comes to home workout equipment, we tend to think big, expensive, and trendy. But don’t forget how powerful the small, simple, and inexpensive tools can be, too. Fitness bands are among the hottest items, with sales skyrocketing during the pandemic. Smart folks over 50 should keep the sales going strong. It’s easy to see why.
Read MoreHere are more questions I’m often asked about exercise after age 50. Let me know of any other questions you have! I am happy to answer them.
Read MoreHere’s one of the great things about getting older: You’ve lived through enough experiences to have learned lessons about what works for you – and what doesn’t. About how to reach a goal successfully, and about how to get your mindset right to win.
Read MoreHere’s a common scenario for people over 50. They’ve gradually gained weight over the last couple of decades, and now they’re obese or getting there. Somewhere over the years, they stopped participating in hobbies and sports. If they ever were a regular gym-goer or runner, that slipped away at some point, too.
Read MorePour another cup o’ joe. We have some good news for you. It turns out that drinking 2.5 to 4.5 cups of coffee a day, without sugar, gives you a 29% lower risk of early death than non-drinkers, according to a big new study out of China.
Read MoreSports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue has been a touchstone of fit female beauty for decades. This year’s edition features the oldest woman ever to appear on the cover, which heralds her as a world-class beauty at 74. It’s Maye Musk, mother of Elon, herself a veteran model who proves you can still knock ‘em dead well past 50.
Read MoreHere’s good news for mature women who think obesity is just part of their DNA. It turns out that exercise lowers their risk of obesity, according to a new study. Researchers analyzed data from 8,200 women of European ancestry in their 70s.
Read MoreOne of my favorite events for active agers is back for the first time since 2019. I love the National Senior Games because of the boundless inspiration they offer everyone, regardless of age or fitness level!
Read MoreIt feels like we’re heading into our first more-or-less normal summer in three years. Are you looking forward to being outside in the sunshine? Seeing friends and family who live far away? Getting back to golf or tennis?
Read MoreIf you still think physical exercise is only good for the body, then check out this latest research that adds to the evidence about mental health.
Read MoreTony, a lifelong tennis player, is in his mid-50s now. When he started noticing his game wasn’t as sharp as it used to be, he thought gym workouts might help restore his power and relieve some pain.
Sheri knew something was wrong. She’d always been active, particularly enjoying daily walks. But lately, her balance and posture were off. Her knees jerked. Her hands trembled. So when her doctor diagnosed her with Parkinson’s disease last year, it was almost a relief.
Read MoreWant to do something that’s good for your health, will get you moving outside, and even guarantee a boundless source of love in your life? Then you should consider getting a pet, specifically a dog, according to research that shows the health benefits canine companions have on older adults.
We all talk to ourselves about ourselves. What kind of things do you say? That you’re overweight, lazy, and too old to be fit? A lot of us struggle with an inner voice that repeats nonsense like that. But you don’t have to let it keep you from exercising, eating right, and managing stress so you can keep doing what you want.
Read MoreHere are some of the questions I’m often asked regarding exercise after age 50. Let me know of any other questions you have! I’m happy to answer them.
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