You're never too old to build your body - part 2

Here are some facts about challenging the aging process and the meaning of truly growing old gracefully:

1. By exercising, you can limit bone and muscle loss. Who says that as you age, you can't pack on muscle? This is not to say that an older person building muscle will not have to work harder than someone in his or her 20's, but a hard body is still doable for the aging person, especially, if that person has exercised regularly and has been fit throughout his or her lifetime.
2. Positive thinking has been known to extend life in people by up to 7.5 years. Research shows that how you perceive aging affects how long you will live. This is based on a study of 660 people, and of those people, the ones who viewed aging in a positive light, lived longer.

If it's numbers that grab your attention, you may want to think about these longevity boosters:

1. Exercising regularly can add 1 to 3 years;
2. Being a  non-smoker can add 14 years;
3. Having a healthy weight can add 1 to 3 years;
4. Low blood pressure and cholesterol can add 4 years each.

If you are maintaining all of the above, then do the math. That's right, you add over 20 years to your life. See Longevity self perception and studies

Picking up the weights at age 40, 50, 60 and even 70 can be your new beginning to life. It makes life challenging in that you are doing something that gets you moving and keeps your body from deteriorating. Regular exercise will not only increase muscle mass but minimize brittle bone and muscle loss. Coupled with plenty of rest and a good diet, your body rejuvenates and its appearance tightens with elasticity that mirrors the image of youth. In fact, building your body and taking pride in your accomplishments, builds confidence which in itself is youthful.

Older people who train on a regular basis and keep their bodies fit do not have the "I'm too old" mentality. Actually, the fact that they are older is even more of an incentive for them to continue on their fitness journey. It's the ones who complain about getting older, while sitting on the sidelines whining and handing out advice to the up and coming aging population, who are wasting their lives away with pity and excuses. Even if you've never worked out a day in your life, it's never too late to start. If for no other reason, than to put that spark back into your life, knowing that you are now doing something that makes you feel great and look even greater. With these changes, you will find yourself reaping the benefits of good health with not only an understanding of it but also proof that you are never too old to build your body.

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