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Why Is Being Over 60 the Perfect Time for Health Improvement?

By Robin Ola January 01, 2024 Health and Fitness

I love the thought of us embracing our age and all of the wonderful parts of having lived these years. In fact, there has never been a better time to go after what we want, especially when it comes to health improvement.

The Attributes of the Older Woman

We may not realize it, but we have developed many attributes that have made us strong. Years of living have helped us develop real humility, focus, empathy, and resilience. These attributes should be embraced as reasons that we are ready for growth now more than ever.

We have developed humility from mistakes we have made. We don’t have the youthful know-it-all illusion. We recognize that we have faults. We know that we are stronger at some things than others. This knowledge is priceless. We can strengthen what we need and want to OR accept our shortcomings and plan around them.

We have increased focus as we have learned to recognize our true priorities. We know ourselves better now and what is important to us. This wisdom allows us to eliminate the unimportant, giving us more time and energy to focus on what we deem worthwhile.

We have deeper empathy from our losses and disappointments. We are able to recognize pain in others and ourselves with greater clarity and acceptance.

We are resilient; we are still here through whatever lessons life has taught us.

It is time to recognize and use the power within us to develop these attributes further.

Still, We Face Hurdles

What may keep us from knowing and using our inner power to improve our health?

Believing That We Don’t “Deserve” a Better Life

Please don’t scroll past this. We all think we feel “deserving,” but let’s check that. Do you honestly agree with each one of these statements?

  • I am willing to feel short-term discomfort for my future self.
  • I am willing to spend money on improving my health (courses, gym membership, coaching, etc.) and I am willing to accept help from others.
  • I am worth the time, money, and energy this will take even though I might not have succeeded in the past.
  • I am willing to make others uncomfortable when they are not receptive to my better, different choices. I do not try to please everyone.
  • I know that wanting more for myself is not selfish or self-centered.
  • I am confident in who I am and what I want for myself.

Being Afraid to Fail

We may forget that we have a few failures under our belt by now. Remembering our failures and how we have survived and even thrived in spite of them should help us eliminate any fear of failure that might still be around.

Forgetting to Have Fun

I firmly believe that if an action is not fun, it won’t stick. Being powerful is fun! Being in control of your life is fun too!

Unleash Your Power

Once again, it is time to recognize and use the power within us, that we have created over the years. There is power in planning and power in consistency. There is power in not feeling like doing something and doing it anyway.

If you are not making the health improvements that you desire, don’t use your age as an excuse; use it as a propellant. Use your years of experience and life to your advantage. Now is a great time to do the things you thought were not possible.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you view your age as an advantage when trying something new, or trying something again? Or do you use your age as an excuse? What have you learned about your older self? Have you made a commitment to better health? Please join the discussion!

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LeeInNYC

Yes, I have made a commitment this year. Just had my annual checkup and everything was great — bloodwork, Cologuard test, etc. But I’ve had THREE viruses knock me on my @$$ in December — first, a bad cold shortly after Thanksgiving. Recovered from that, and then caught the flu (body aches, fever, chills, ugh), then over New Year, I caught a stomach virus! Apparently I’m as healthy as a horse, but my immune system is lousy. Realized I haven’t taken my vitamins and iron as often as I should, have been lazy about going for walks (I don’t drive so I walk a lot but haven’t felt like it). I’m sure the pandemic has a role to play in this. Vaxxed, locked down and masked up for a couple of years, then completely abandoned it all. Well, I just masks in my bag for when I’m on the bus or train; put my vitamins and iron in a place where I’ll remember to take them; I bought oranges and am committed to eating them a few times a week (I don’t normally eat fresh fruit because I just don’t crave it), and unless there is snow on the ground, I’m committed to going for a walk, even a short one, a few times a week. Just turned 70 — gotta make sure I get to 80 and beyond! :-)

Joyce

Sounds like a great plan going into 2024…fresh fruit, vitamins and walking. That’s a really good self care plan!! Enjoy!!

The Author

Robin Ola is a Certified Health, Life and Weight Loss Coach, and Personal Trainer. As a Behavior Change Specialist for almost two decades, she is passionate about creating innovative methods to help women make permanent health and life improvements through private coaching, workshops, wellness articles and retreats. Robin can be contacted at robin@robinola.net.

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