In this newsletter . . .

Spring is in the air

Boomers and Seniors are a huge, fast growing market

Spring is in the air

Here’s the thing: You don’t need an actual six-pack to be fit and to look good. But you do need to trim off excess fat and be firm. For those who insist, six-packs are an option, too, if they choose to go all out. Either way, the path to a strong, firm, trim midsection is right here.

But caution: There are plenty of bad ideas that promise to eradicate belly-fat. The crazy stuff is all over the Internet. Even some personal trainers, who should know better, continue to pitch things like spot reducing. Well, it doesn’t exist. I’ll say it again: Spot reducing doesn’t exist. Don’t waste your time. Get honest information about what’s real and what is not, right here. And it’s free.

Boomers and seniors are a huge, fast growing market

To sell us goods and services, advertising copywriters must know the needs and concerns of a graying population. For example, they know that two of our major concerns are: 1) Will I have enough money for a comfortable retirement? And 2) will I stay healthy enough to enjoy it?

Regarding the first concern (money), I’m not a personal finance expert. But I have seen what happens to people who disregard financial planning for their retirement years. I have no axes to grind. I don’t sell insurance, stocks, bonds or mutual funds. I'm a fitness advocate. However, I do have a few thoughts about money matters, for the curious who care to look.

To the main topic . . .

Advertising that addresses senior health and fitness is often about long-term health care insurance or vitamin supplements. But who says anything about what happens to us if we lose muscle mass? Not so many. Though it is a very serious matter.

Sarcopenia is that strange looking Greek word meaning “poverty of flesh.” It is what we see in the elderly who are bent over and tottering from a combination of osteoporosis and the wasting away of muscle tissue (sarcopenia). It won't happen to me, you may think to yourself. In our youth, most of us couldn’t imagine ever being old. In the words of a country song: "I’m ten feet tall and bulletproof."

Yet aging starts earlier than we think.

Inactive men and women over age 30 slowly lose muscle tissue every year. At about age 50 the loss starts happening faster. After age 65, it accelerates even more. Visit a nursing home and witness its ultimate toll. Loss of muscle mass is often an underlying reason many end up there, and remain dependent on others.

We are going to age, all of us. We are going to get old. Yet with regular activity – particularly resistance exercise -- we really can apply the brakes. To a large extent, we can keep sarcopenia at bay. With good nutrition and resistance training, there is a good chance of retaining a decent degree of strength and fitness right up to the end of life.

On the other hand, poor eating habits and a do nothing lifestyle will greatly accelerate our decline. The choice is ours. It’s a great life. Make a great choice. Get a barbell, dumbbells, a kettlebell, or resistance bands. Give sarcopenia a good, swift kick. It’s one of the best gifts you can give to yourself and your family.

Visit Senior Exercise Central.

Your comments and questions are always appreciated. Simply click on the "Reply" bottom.

Sincerely,

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