Wellness

Never Too Late

By Vikki Ives

It’s never too late. We’ve all heard this phrase hundreds of times. Yet, as we enter our middle ages and beyond (45+) we may tend to dismiss it with a shrug while thinking that some goals are unattainable. Still, as Power of Positivity lists among its “7 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Late In Life,” the ability to improve yourself does not expire.

September is the month for healthy aging awareness, and may be all the incentive you need to get started. Like the old adage states, there’s no time like the present. Maybe you’ve just been thinking about making a change or perhaps you’ve already met that defining moment but have doubts about succeeding. I assure you, from experience, you can do it.

The moment came for me while attending a high school reunion. It had been 30 years, but I thought I hadn’t changed much. Never mind that I had gained weight over the years, was not physically active, and had been experiencing some minor health issues. What I encountered when I met my old buddies was life-changing. My friends all looked great! I was amazed that their physical appearances had not significantly changed. When I returned home I was determined that I was going to look as good as they did. What I didn’t realize then was that what began as nothing more than vanity was going to reshape my entire life.

Once back home, I took a bold step and joined a gym. During my first class, the trainer

had me doing ball squats. An exercise ball is put behind your back and you roll the ball up and down the wall as you squat. No problem! I bent my knees and continued sinking until I was sitting on the floor (not the intended outcome). Fortunately, my determination overshadowed any embarrassment I had. I have been attending that gym for twelve years now and am in the best shape of my life. It helps that 80 percent of the members are over 45-years-old. Finding the right fit has helped me succeed.

During these last several years I have also completely changed my diet. I noticed that family members and friends seemed to accept their deteriorating health as a part of aging, so I decided I wanted to prevent disease rather than treat it. Studies continue to prove that many common ailments afflicting people today are both reversible and preventable through diet. Do your research, find what works for you, and make the change.

Whether you seek a change of health, career, or attitude, this is not a temporary journey, but rather a lifestyle change. Take baby steps. If you enter an IRONMAN triathlon as a fitness initiation, you will most surely fail. Start small and remember you’re not competing against anyone but your past self. It is said it takes twenty-one days to develop a new habit; stick with it and it will become a part of your life. There will be challenging days but it’s perseverance that

matters. Track and Field athlete Florence Griffith Joyner said, “I don’t always have the best eating habits. I like butter and ice cream. There are days when I should work out and I don’t. But it’s never too late to change old habits.”

Don’t just age. Make the choice to age well and live a healthy, happy life.