As for the rest of us, we have to make the best out of what we've been given. . . .
I posted earlier on my Facebook wall my goal for when I turn 50, which is in just over a year. 50 situps. . . .50 push ups. . . and 50 miles of hiking. I am fortunate, of course, that I live in a national park with the grand canyon as my back yard, but I guess fortune has nothing to do with that choice.
It all comes down to choice.
I don't feel 50, although I'm not sure what 50 is supposed to feel like, and when I look at the graphic for this blog I know what sillouettes I do NOT want to be. I also know that the two and a half years of living here has improved my health markers significantly. I've dropped 35 pounds, significantly lowered my cholesterol and triglycerides, increased my bone density, eliminated gallstones, and developed a confidence in my body's ability to solo hike in ways that I never thought would be possible for me.
But changing the numbers is not enough.
I think it's a baby boomer thing, but I love my lifestyle here at the canyon. I have a job that allows me to do what I want (and get paid while I do it). I have one of the world's greatest playgrounds for my backyard where I can hike (and backpack) to my heart's content. I awaken to deer and elk munching on grass outside of my window. I walk everywhere, with no daily need for a car. On most days I can't imagine ever living anywhere else, so I'm going to take advantage of the life I have for however long I am going to remain living here.
I've never really been a physically active person, but I am finding a great enjoyment of a physical lifestyle. I'm almost afraid to leave the canyon, actually, because the physical activity is such a naturally integrated part of my life here. To move back out into "the real world" means that I have to pay for gym memberships and schedule time to do these things. . . .but right now I am really enjoying how physical activity is just a natural part of my daily routine.
And it kind of shocks me to see so many people here sitting in their dorm rooms playing video games or getting drunk rather than getting out into the beauty of the canyon, espeically the younger kids who feel displaced from the delights of city life. Perhaps they will feel differently when they, too, are on the verge of turning 50 and all too aware of being on the long, slow, downward decline.
As for me, I refuse to just age gracefully. . . .lol. . . .so I'm going to run and walk and hike and backpack my way to making the best out of what I've been given :) I may not have Jennifer Aniston's money (or the look it buys), but I do have this canyon, so I'm going to take advantage of every opportunity it offers this baby boomer on the verge of extinction. . . .lol.