You Grow Old Because You Stop Playing

 There’s a saying that goes: “You don’t stop playing because you grow old, you grow old because you stop playing.” How often have you heard a friend, colleague, or family member respond with, “I can’t do that, I’m too old!” Now, very important, before I continue, I want to be clear that before you begin any exercise program or take supplements, consult with your physician.
As we age, we all suffer from sarcopenia, or age-related muscle decline. According to US News, as a rule, muscle mass declines with age, starting in the 40s and picking up speed after about age 50. Then the typical rate of muscle loss really begins to outpace the rate of muscle gain, so that there’s an increasing net deficit, says Robert Wolfe, a professor of geriatrics and director of the Center for Translational Research in Aging and Longevity at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. How dangerous that is depends how much muscle you start out with. The kind of decline that makes a lifelong runner go from a very fast 10k time to a slightly slower one in his 60s is not a big concern (except for the frustrated runner). The kind of decline in muscle mass that weakens an already frail elderly person so much that he or she is more prone to falls and can’t lift a small bag of groceries onto the counter is something to worry about.
Don’t stop playing! The proper nutrition and a well-rounded exercise regiment can counter natural muscle mass loss. A good cross training of resistance (Weights) training, impact (running, etc.) and cardio is a good place to start. Not only will this type of training slow muscle mass loss, but it will also maintain good bone density, which also starts to decline as we age. Osteoporosis is very prevalent in our aging population.
So, do your research. Adjusting your diet for the proper protein is also extremely important. Consult with your doctor, a nutritionist, and perhaps even a personal trainer, to find the right program for you.
We all age, that’s a given. But I’m going down kicking and screaming! Don’t give in to Father Time!
Myles McNamara is Certified Senior Advisor and the owner of Comfort Keepers In-Home Care, and can be reached at 661 287-4200