It is an
unkindly word

The Urban Dictionary defines the word “geezer” as “humorous or mildly disparaging: an odd, eccentric, or unreasonable person (usually a man): an old man, perhaps, too old and set in his ways to know what's new in the world.”

Many researchers opine that there is an "inner-geezer" hormone that starts to kick in on all of us at about age 50. The sneaky devil. Most of us at that young age don’t even notice its appearance. But it creeps along, gradually, and with each passing year, its boldness grows. If we don’t watch out, in a decade or two, our inner-geezer will rule.

The takeover succeeds only because it is almost invisible; we really don’t realize it’s happening while it’s happening. Inner-geezer stealth on one’s mental attitudes is also closely connected to our physical side. Examples: One day we take stock of ourselves and realize we don’t get around as well as we used to. Or, reality may smack us square in the face when the doctor doesn’t like the look of things at an annual physical.

But is prevention even possible? To a great extent, yes, it is. Be aware of the warning signs. Here is one bright red flag: are you spending more and more time in front of electronic devices — without creating compensatory time for exercise?

There is a remedy. Resistance training will suppress the nasty hormone, keeping it at bay. What you’ve heard is true. Resistance exercise — barbells, kettlebells, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercise — makes us feel good. Thus we spend more time looking forward, instead of backward. We retain or even reclaim many of the positive aspects of youth, mentally and physically.

About the picture at the top of the page: That’s me entering my 70s. I was never a big time athlete. But regardless of some wrinkles and gray hair, I was still in pretty decent shape. I exercised regularly in a smart way and followed a common sense diet. Years of experience and training taught me how to go about it.

In a couple of months, I’ll turn 86. I can’t even come close to what I was doing at 70, and certainly not what I could do at 60, or especially at 50. People in their 50s and 60s are the ones I call “young seniors.” Once they’ve gotten in shape, they can still push and even extend their limits. Generally, though, in our 70s, and on up, the focus should be staying active, but not so much of pushing the envelope.

My own personal training goal isn’t very complicated: I want to remain as fit as possible for as long as nature allows. I'll bet you want the same. My great pleasure is providing honest information to help you do it. None of us wants to let the inner- geezer get the upper hand.

The material at the Senior Exercise Central website is 100% free.

Stay healthy. Stay fit.

Logan

Senior Exercise Central

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Sincerely,

Logan Franklin
The Gray Iron Fitness Newsletter
www.senior-exercise-central.com