October 1, 2020

In this newsletter . . .

Keeping the
inner-geezer at bay

The Urban Dictionary defines the word “geezer”: “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. Of course most of us at that young age don’t notice the sneaky devil. It’s gradual. Yet with each passing year, its boldness grows. If we don’t watch out, in a decade or two, the 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. This too: inner-geezer stealth on one’s 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.

Later this month, I’ll turn 84. 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. And I’ve had a few health bumps along the way. Still, life is good.

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. We all do. 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