To Be Fit at Fifty-Five

Staying fit at fifty is no joke, y’all — for realz!

First, all you folks that fear fat shaming, or even the thought that you might actually benefit from eating healthy and exercising, I got your back. Yes, fat shaming is real. Fitness shaming is also real. If you’re aging (as we all are) you will likely (unless you die before) will go through major changes. Not everyone is ready for those changes. The are coming—ready or not.

I was informing someone of my preference for a little extra something something in certain areas. I was proudly describing my favorite features and the person was shady enough to use the ever-inept retort, “How’s that working out?” I left them with a “Spectacular!” That’s easier said than done and I know it, but part of the work of shifting culture is to present ourselves as who we are right now and love it! Eventually, fitness stops being a choice. The time to start accepting every fiber of who we are is right now, wherever we are.

If someone ain’t got time for what I have on offer today, they don’t deserve any version of me whatsoever. Ever! Changing myself to meet anyone’s preferences other than my own, is unacceptable. As I say over and over all day 365, “My milkshake brings all the boys to the yard!” I know not everyone drinks a tasty shake. Their loss. And I mean that. My juice too, is the juiciest and there are plenty of folks who are thirsty for it.

All that said, my 50+ ass has a bunch of health concerns that recommend I keep fit, eat well, and get sufficient exercise. If you are 25 and weigh 400 pounds and your doctor gives you a clean bill of health, you better work all 400 delicious pounds. If you are genetically predisposed to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis and all the shit that sneaks up on you with age, this is for you. If you don’t have any health issues, you may still relate to this.

My mind, spirit, and the kid inside all love exercise! I live to run, go for long walks, and ride my bike. My body is like, “Who are you kidding?” My body and I have disagreements. My hip joint hurts like a bitch if I fail to warm it up enough before a long ride. My knees require wrapping and a big stretch before they will do anything strenuous. I get dizzy spells and I swear I must have had a stroke somewhere along the way. I don’t know for sure, and my doctor hasn’t said anything to alarm me, but still.

This one is shy on tips and tricks for being older and staying as healthy as possible. I was hoping to get a lot of pointers from y’all. I am at my wits end and it’s time to ask the elders (of which I officially became one this year with my senior discount eligible ass). How are people in the forties, fifties and sixties managing to stay fit? If you are older than that and still have a health and care routine, please fill the rest of is in on how you stay active and at your best?