LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth |
Fitness at the Beach: You Don't Look Your Age |
by Rick Moore |
Just a few weeks ago, yours truly celebrated another milestone birthday. Friends and family joined me for a memorable dinner at one of the fabulous all-you-can-pig-out buffets. The topic of conversation was, "How Some People Look Their Age, While Others Dont." We discussed situations in which people had guessed our ages, and were way off. I consider myself lucky, because most people tell me I dont look anything like my age. Lets be specific, I look younger than my age, not older! Mother nature, it appears, has been kind to me. I wonder how long this will hold out? We traded stories about our youth, long, long ago, up to the present time, and how we have aged. Some of us go kicking and screaming, putting up with newly discovered aches and pains, and a couple new wrinkles. Gosh, I think I even spotted a liver spot the other day. Others of us take the a different route, which is to say, plastic surgery. I prefer the old fashioned way: diet and exercise to stave off the ravages of advancing age. Why do we age? There are different theories. Diseases occur more frequently with advancing age, causing structural damage to cells. This damage adds up each time the cell divides, eventually preventing the cell from carrying out normal functions. Another theory suggests that aging is genetically regulated. Researchers have already identified at least three genes that are involved with human cellular aging, and they have also discovered a protein on the surface of cell membranes that inhibits the production of DNA. Another theory states that extra bits of DNA accumulate over time within a cells nucleus. Eventually it clogs normal cell action. With more research, they might be able to prevent the accumulation of junk DNA. Other studies focus on cell division limits caused by the shortening of the ends of the DNA, called telomeres. They self-destruct after about 50 cell divisions, but there is some promising research using an enzyme injected into cells which keeps the cell division going after this limit is reached. Could this be the new fountain of youth weve all been looking for? Maybe, but there are other possibilities, too. We usually expect women to have longer average life spans than men. The difference is partly biological due to the protective effects of female hormones. The blood levels of female hormones drop sharply during menopause, and at the same time, the incidence of heart disease and high blood pressure in women increases to match the incidence in men. Its my thought that outside interferences such as stress, whether from the job or environment, have an effect on the life spans of men and women. It used to be common for the men to be the breadwinners and sole providers for the household. They died from heart attacks and strokes way before their spouses did. Nowadays, it seems that, with the two-income family, were discovering that women are just as susceptible to the stresses affecting men. As more women are exposed to stress and the hazards of the workplace, they are having just as many heart attacks and strokes. I havent earned a seniors discount card at the supermarket yet (I still have lots of time left), but I have noticed significant changes in my sensory perceptions and my metabolism. I have also found that, with increasing age, my immune system will probably not be as healthy or robust to fight off diseases and infections. This is why most of the elderly are persuaded to have flu shots every fall. Another discovery is that my endocrine system is slowing down. Yikes! Where I was once the virile ever-ready stud, I now find that my hormones are in a bit of a decline. As a man ages, the testes produce less of the male sex hormone, testosterone. Womens ovaries go through "the change," otherwise known as menopause, which, when they reach the age of 45 to 55, causes them to stop having monthly cycles. Now I realize why all these new "wellness clinics" are popping up all over the country. They deal with hormone therapy for the aging baby-boomers who are still looking for that fountain of youth or magic pill. You know, Ive read that hormone therapy really works, but its extremely expensive, and not covered by insurance. Oh well, at least I can dream! Im taking donations. Ive noticed recently that my vision has changed. Its not the same. Im afraid I might be forced into wearing a pair of bifocals, thereby conjuring up visions of my grandfather smoking his pipe in the parlor, with his glasses hanging off the end of his nose. Due to some well-planned changes I made in my diet and exercise, I seem to be able to beat Father Time as long as I stick to a routine of weight training and cardio. I also teach an aerobics class every week at my fitness center. There was a time when I was able to eat a half-gallon of ice cream at a sitting. I used to eat three big fast-food double burgers (with lots of cheese and that secret sauce) at the same time, all without gaining an ounce. But no longer! I cant remember the last time I had those greasy foods. Im extremely picky about what I eat now, even tearing off the chicken skin. (Yeah, I know thats the best part!) I even read the labels for calories on any food product I purchase. As you get older, you should be much more aware of the changes taking place in your body. I highly advise that you modify your diet and stick to an exercise routine including weight resistance exercises and cardiovascular training at least 3 times a week. If you make it a part of your life, people will start telling you, "My goodness, you dont look anything like your age, you look much younger." Youll appreciate a compliment like that. Rick Moore is a personal trainer certified by the American Fitness Professionals & Associates. He believes in common-sense, drug-free training. Visit him at Ricks Fitness & Health, Inc., in beautiful downtown Milton. Check out his website at http://www.enrapt.com/ricksfitness, or give him a call at (302) 684-3669. |
LETTERS From CAMP Rehoboth, Vol. 9, No. 1, February 5, 1999 |