Walk into any gym and you will see it full of baby boomers — those born between 1946 and 1964. The oldest of the baby boomer generation is now 73 and the youngest is 55. But age alone does not define the actual physical condition of a person. You may see the 73-year-old doing burpees and the 55-year-old doing Silver Sneakers in a chair.
There are two ways to age as defined by the Functional Aging Institute:1) Primary Aging and 2) Secondary Aging.
PRIMARY AGING
Primary Aging happens in our cells, determining our susceptibility to disease, injury and age of death. These factors are “hard-wired” into our genetic code and cannot be altered. Whatever your genetic predisposition, you can decide to take action in order to slow the aging process.
SECONDARY AGING
Secondary Aging determines deterioration due to lifestyle behaviors, disease processes, environment, injury and illness. These factors are variable but can be significantly controlled by quitting smoking, eating healthier, drinking less alcohol and most importantly — being more active.
Physical activity will help you do the things you enjoy with more ease, such as carrying your own groceries or keeping up with your grandkids. Start working with a personal trainer who can design a program for you that you can do in a gym or at home in order to help you increase your happiness and confidence.
FRAN PATOSKIE
Certified Personal Trainer & Functional Aging Specialist
808-349-5598 | ilovetosweat@gmail.com
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