Avivah - Í love this so much; such an important message, shared so clearly!
I started exercising - doing the elliptical and lifting weights - and let go of about 30 pounds (a stone and a half, in British 😊) at 52. Right as I started Q3.
Now, 22 years later, I’m so incredibly grateful to have made those habits.
And I find having those habits makes it easier to keep recommitting: to regular yoga classes when we moved to Spain 2+ years ago, as well as to not having a car so I walk to all my daily errands and appointments (3-8 km a day); to letting go of a stone that had crept back on over the years; to exploring new ways to support my health (lymphatic drainage exercise, deep tissue massage, taking Cordyceps).
I feel like I’m moving into Q4 in a very good state…AND I’m inspired to investigate the testing you reference. Thanks!
that's why you're such a role model, Erika. I gotta say all the women (where are the gentlemen??) responding to this post are the ones who have most inspired me to get with the game here. Moving, growing, thinking, learning, you are the people redefining Q3 - as we live it now. Pioneering work!
Well said. People see me (I think) as that strong woman of 84 who still stands on her head (and my hands recently, with a little help getting up there). But in fact I didn't start yoga until I was 50. And being a persistent sort of person, I persisted. I asked a younger friend (also a yoga teacher) years ago what yoga was doing for me. She said it is supposed to help your strength and flexibility, yet it seemed somehow vague. But NOW, I know why I was doing yoga all those years ago - because I can squat down or reach up and generally do most of what I could do at 44. I am now a bit of a proselytiser for early exercise.
So love this image of you Ann. Love, yoga and learning (not to mention an appartment in Paris!). You exemplify how to build the solid foundations for a richly-lived Q4.
Thank you. I seem to have developed a very good life for myself at my age, but I'm not sure that I did so very purposefully. I basically followed what I liked, didn't stop and here I am. Don't forget my singing (Brahms' Requiem next term, one of the most stirring pieces of music to sing) which strengthens me physically and emotionally. The apartment in Paris is, alas, gone, but we had it for nearly 30 good years, so no complaints.
Not sure about the respective benefits. I think they are different schools of the same ideas - deep muscular work that strengthens and bends. Yoga is much more tied to meditation and spirituality for many. I find pure strength training/ weight lifting has hugely helped me do both. And i can't agree enough about convenience. The only reason I do yoga and pilates is that a new studio opened up nearby that offers both...
My yoga is not very spiritual, with only an occasional nod in that direction - but it does teach breathing. I was always frightened of lifting weights, but I gather it is terrific for you.
Hi, Susan, that is a very reasonable question, but I don't know the answer. At one point in my 50s, I was doing both and decided I had to opt for one and chose yoga, but I can't even remember why. I would say that it has done wonders for me. I have gone diligently once a week for 34 years. I also swim and walk a lot. What I would recommend is i) whatever is convenient (because that will assure you do it) and ii) whatever you really like (ie go with your guts, for the same reason). There are doubtless many people, even AI, that would give you a better answer.
I'm ever grateful that I started strength training at 48.
Twenty years later, much of my time in the gym is spent thinking about what my 88-year-old self might thank me for. Sometimes that means lifting weights. Sometimes it means listening more carefully to my body. Sometimes it means saying no.
What strikes me about later life is that health is only part of the picture. Even if our bodies change, we can still nurture our minds, creativity and curiosity.
Yesterday, while speaking on local radio about learning in later life, I heard about a 77-year-old man who has completed 11 AI certificates and is now learning Chinese. What a wonderful reminder that there is no reason to stop doing most things unless we choose to.
So much of how we move forward in later life begins in our heads. If you believe you're too old to learn, lift, explore or begin something new, your mind will find evidence to support that belief. Open yourself to the possibility of a longer, healthier and more engaged future, and you're far more likely to move in that direction.
Thanks for the reminder, Avivah. The choices we make today shape far more than our health. They shape the story we tell ourselves about what is still possible.
I'll share the radio interview after the ThriveSpan book launch.
Yes, i often think of you in your wood hauling logs Denise. My favourite moment of recent years was when my little 4-year old granddaughter watched me swing a heavy suitcase into the back of the car and admiringly declare "Glam'Ma, you're strong!!" I thought: this is my job. Role model what she can imagine being and doing in her 60s... Grandmas aren't what they used to be!
I started strength training about two and a half years ago, aged 56. I'd noticed how weedy I felt in my upper body, and how achy I got in my back and legs after a bit of gardening! And I thought, I've got to do something about this before it's too late. I started at home, with sit to stands, heel raises, bodyweight stuff. Started to feel and see the benefits, so bought some dumbbells and kettlebells. Now I go to a little gym, just twice a week, and I can't say I love it, but I absolutely love feeling strong, and I've overhauled my nutrition to support the muscle gain. It's given me more confidence in all areas of my life, knowing I can show up for myself, and that my future health and independence are important. Hopefully I'll still be at it at 84, like another commenter above!
yes, i think strength is a wonderful boost to feeling generally empowered. That you can join in, say yes, go for the walk, the trip, the babysitting. And sleep like there’s no tomorrow! Am so glad the strength training vogue arrived in time for us all to get on this bandwagon.
Yes, when I had a young PT who had my doing all sorts of things and talked about my motivation I was clear, I want to carry shopping bags, stretch to the top shelf in the kitchen cupboard, walk up stairs, get up off the floor. She didnt really appreciate that.
"The Q3 body doesn’t need transformation. It needs attention. Consistency". Such a useful phrase. Despite being well and healthy and thin during my Q2, I now notice, and accept how my body has changed. It now needs a little bit more time and attention and TLC. And it takes 'work'. But I see this as my 'life stage' work - just as I 'worked' at building a career, raising a family and building a home. Really loved the Arthur Brooks slide and the idea that 'the average hides the story'. The importance of digging into the data and finding the story that most benefits you (ie the choice to make a difference). Thanks Avivah - great stuff as always!
One of the discoveries of this life stage. Every year requires an increasing amount of time spent on physical training. I've always done regular exercise. But now, if I don't do it regularly, I feel it. We're fighting sarcopenia (age related muscle loss), and we need to work pretty hard just to stand still. not to mention upright!
Avivah - Í love this so much; such an important message, shared so clearly!
I started exercising - doing the elliptical and lifting weights - and let go of about 30 pounds (a stone and a half, in British 😊) at 52. Right as I started Q3.
Now, 22 years later, I’m so incredibly grateful to have made those habits.
And I find having those habits makes it easier to keep recommitting: to regular yoga classes when we moved to Spain 2+ years ago, as well as to not having a car so I walk to all my daily errands and appointments (3-8 km a day); to letting go of a stone that had crept back on over the years; to exploring new ways to support my health (lymphatic drainage exercise, deep tissue massage, taking Cordyceps).
I feel like I’m moving into Q4 in a very good state…AND I’m inspired to investigate the testing you reference. Thanks!
that's why you're such a role model, Erika. I gotta say all the women (where are the gentlemen??) responding to this post are the ones who have most inspired me to get with the game here. Moving, growing, thinking, learning, you are the people redefining Q3 - as we live it now. Pioneering work!
We are definitely pioneering the 21st Century way to get old. It's very exciting!
Well said. People see me (I think) as that strong woman of 84 who still stands on her head (and my hands recently, with a little help getting up there). But in fact I didn't start yoga until I was 50. And being a persistent sort of person, I persisted. I asked a younger friend (also a yoga teacher) years ago what yoga was doing for me. She said it is supposed to help your strength and flexibility, yet it seemed somehow vague. But NOW, I know why I was doing yoga all those years ago - because I can squat down or reach up and generally do most of what I could do at 44. I am now a bit of a proselytiser for early exercise.
So love this image of you Ann. Love, yoga and learning (not to mention an appartment in Paris!). You exemplify how to build the solid foundations for a richly-lived Q4.
Thank you. I seem to have developed a very good life for myself at my age, but I'm not sure that I did so very purposefully. I basically followed what I liked, didn't stop and here I am. Don't forget my singing (Brahms' Requiem next term, one of the most stirring pieces of music to sing) which strengthens me physically and emotionally. The apartment in Paris is, alas, gone, but we had it for nearly 30 good years, so no complaints.
Hi Ann - do you think that pilates has the same benefit of yoga as we age? or as a 'yoga bear' - do you think its better?
Not sure about the respective benefits. I think they are different schools of the same ideas - deep muscular work that strengthens and bends. Yoga is much more tied to meditation and spirituality for many. I find pure strength training/ weight lifting has hugely helped me do both. And i can't agree enough about convenience. The only reason I do yoga and pilates is that a new studio opened up nearby that offers both...
My yoga is not very spiritual, with only an occasional nod in that direction - but it does teach breathing. I was always frightened of lifting weights, but I gather it is terrific for you.
Hi, Susan, that is a very reasonable question, but I don't know the answer. At one point in my 50s, I was doing both and decided I had to opt for one and chose yoga, but I can't even remember why. I would say that it has done wonders for me. I have gone diligently once a week for 34 years. I also swim and walk a lot. What I would recommend is i) whatever is convenient (because that will assure you do it) and ii) whatever you really like (ie go with your guts, for the same reason). There are doubtless many people, even AI, that would give you a better answer.
I'm ever grateful that I started strength training at 48.
Twenty years later, much of my time in the gym is spent thinking about what my 88-year-old self might thank me for. Sometimes that means lifting weights. Sometimes it means listening more carefully to my body. Sometimes it means saying no.
What strikes me about later life is that health is only part of the picture. Even if our bodies change, we can still nurture our minds, creativity and curiosity.
Yesterday, while speaking on local radio about learning in later life, I heard about a 77-year-old man who has completed 11 AI certificates and is now learning Chinese. What a wonderful reminder that there is no reason to stop doing most things unless we choose to.
So much of how we move forward in later life begins in our heads. If you believe you're too old to learn, lift, explore or begin something new, your mind will find evidence to support that belief. Open yourself to the possibility of a longer, healthier and more engaged future, and you're far more likely to move in that direction.
Thanks for the reminder, Avivah. The choices we make today shape far more than our health. They shape the story we tell ourselves about what is still possible.
I'll share the radio interview after the ThriveSpan book launch.
Yes, i often think of you in your wood hauling logs Denise. My favourite moment of recent years was when my little 4-year old granddaughter watched me swing a heavy suitcase into the back of the car and admiringly declare "Glam'Ma, you're strong!!" I thought: this is my job. Role model what she can imagine being and doing in her 60s... Grandmas aren't what they used to be!
Glam’Ma, what a lovely description of you
And you are right - I think people of our generation should be showing youngers just how later life can be so they stop fearing it.
I started strength training about two and a half years ago, aged 56. I'd noticed how weedy I felt in my upper body, and how achy I got in my back and legs after a bit of gardening! And I thought, I've got to do something about this before it's too late. I started at home, with sit to stands, heel raises, bodyweight stuff. Started to feel and see the benefits, so bought some dumbbells and kettlebells. Now I go to a little gym, just twice a week, and I can't say I love it, but I absolutely love feeling strong, and I've overhauled my nutrition to support the muscle gain. It's given me more confidence in all areas of my life, knowing I can show up for myself, and that my future health and independence are important. Hopefully I'll still be at it at 84, like another commenter above!
yes, i think strength is a wonderful boost to feeling generally empowered. That you can join in, say yes, go for the walk, the trip, the babysitting. And sleep like there’s no tomorrow! Am so glad the strength training vogue arrived in time for us all to get on this bandwagon.
Yes, when I had a young PT who had my doing all sorts of things and talked about my motivation I was clear, I want to carry shopping bags, stretch to the top shelf in the kitchen cupboard, walk up stairs, get up off the floor. She didnt really appreciate that.
Functional fitness, that's what it's all about, for me!
totally.
Absolutely!
"The Q3 body doesn’t need transformation. It needs attention. Consistency". Such a useful phrase. Despite being well and healthy and thin during my Q2, I now notice, and accept how my body has changed. It now needs a little bit more time and attention and TLC. And it takes 'work'. But I see this as my 'life stage' work - just as I 'worked' at building a career, raising a family and building a home. Really loved the Arthur Brooks slide and the idea that 'the average hides the story'. The importance of digging into the data and finding the story that most benefits you (ie the choice to make a difference). Thanks Avivah - great stuff as always!
One of the discoveries of this life stage. Every year requires an increasing amount of time spent on physical training. I've always done regular exercise. But now, if I don't do it regularly, I feel it. We're fighting sarcopenia (age related muscle loss), and we need to work pretty hard just to stand still. not to mention upright!