Powerful Anti-Aging Role Models: More are Needed
Posted: Saturday, July 21, 2007
by Barbara Morris
http://www.PutOldonHold.com
Recently on "America's Got Talent" a 75 year old woman performed a song and dance routine. (This reference is not to the Rappin Granny who was outstanding.)
Before she began I mentally cheered her on with, "You go girl!" I was reminded of a CD an older woman sent to me that captured her singing performance at a local nightspot. She was fantastic. And why not. if Tony Bennett at 80 something can still sing, others can do it too.
I often mention Dr. Helen Harkenss, author of Don't Stop the Career Clock, who has inspired me more than I can say. (I can't reveal her age because I don't know it, she doesn't tell, and it doesn't matter anyway. It's her accomplishments that count, not her advanced age.)
Other role models of mine include 80 something David Oreck who still promotes his vacuum cleaners. Compare his sharp agile mind and youthful demeanor to that of many retirees his age whose brains and bodies have turned to mush.
Then there is 90 something Art Linkletter who writes books and does almost non-stop speaking gigs. When I was interviewed for his book, How to Make the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life, he and I disagreed about living in retirement communities, but we got beyond that. He has a flexible open mind and can see other points of view.
How about 90 plus Jack LaLanne, a testament to the benefit of lifelong super nutrition and exercise. He oozes energy. How can you watch his juicer infomercial and not want to buy two of them?
Recently, I watched a video that is truly awesome. I found it in "Celebrations" the official newsletter for Older Wiser Women™. It shows 80 something Yvonne Dowlen Ice skating, and doing it very well. When I tell people I ice skate, (not very well, but determination springs eternal!) a common response is, "Aren't you afraid of falling?" Well, yes and no. I am more afraid of stepping off a curb and turning my ankle, which I have done on more than one occasion.
Fear is sometimes a healthy thing. It makes us stop and think. If forces us to face reality. On the other hand, unreasonable fear keeps us from doing what we want to do and know we could do if we tried. And if only we weren't held back by a nagging inner voice that warns, "Be careful. You're too old to do that." We need role models like Yvonne Dowlen to help us overcome an age-based irrational fear of trying.
The video also makes clear that if you want a youthful flexible body in your older years, you have to start early to keep what you have. You can't wait until you are 65, suddenly realize that you've almost completely lost all youthful competence and decide to try to recapture what's lost. While some improvement is always possible, the longer you wait to reclaim what's gone, the more difficult it is. A sedentary body rebels at being forced to do what it really doesn't want to do anymore. There is nothing worse than realizing "It's too late." As entertainer Eubie Blake was known to say, "If I had known I would live this long I would have taken better care of myself."
Whatever age you are now is a good time to take better care of yourself. The younger you are when you start the easier it is. And it's truly helpful if you can find an inspiring role model to look to for encouragement.
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Barbara Morris is a pharmacist and author of Put Old on Hold. Visit her web site, http://www.PutOldonHold.com and sign up for her free content-rich newsletter and receive a complimentary copy of special report, "Thirteen Diva Tested Tips for Fabulous Skin." Watch the Yvonne Dowlen viedo at http://www.dailyherald.com/galleries/benskate/index.html
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Top-level comments on this article: (5 total)Right on! You might also mention two bodybuilding grandmas Kelly Nelson and Morjorie Newlin. Kelly began bodybuilding at age 53 and was still competing (and winning...in a bikini) in her 70's, as was Morjorie Newlin who began IN her 70's, and was still competing in her 80's.
Have a great life.
Donovan (62 year young bodybuilder and totally hopeless optimist)
Barbara, How right you are. Fortunately, as our developed world population ages, we will have more and more older folk as good, strong role models. I watch a gardening show here (Australia) and the announcer and active gardener, with an incredible vegetable garden at the Tasmanian Botanical Gardens is 80 year old Peter Cundell. I also have two girlfriends in their 80s and we meet up regularly for lunch and pictures and other outings. They are lively, interested, active and fun and only a little slower than they were 20 years ago. My own mother lived into her mid 80s and still played golf twice a week and only gave up competitive tennis in her late 70s. She only took up sport, and driving, in her 50s! My sister won a world title in Masters squash at 60, her second. There are some amazing oldies around nowadays, I'm getting there myself, and they are still active and vibrant well past when people used to live. It's encouraging and inspirational and gives me great hope and determination as I fast approach my own 60th birthday. Hannah
Barbara, high 5! ^5!! I agree with you, Donovan and Hannah. Great article.
Thank you for the feedback. You inspire me !!
To Barbara Morris from another Barbara Morris...I am 70 and still feel about 60, sometimes younger. It's all about attitudes, and yes, exercise and eating right. Good for you!
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