Welcome to the “Disgraceful Aging Manifesto,” where I’ll attempt to curb aging stereotypes and help you embrace life regardless of your speedometer. Aging isn’t about gracefully fading into the background; it’s about charging into the fray with all biceps guns blazing.
Disgraceful aging is the battle cry against the clichéd narrative that older means weaker, quieter, and less adventurous. It’s a call to arms for anyone ready to defy the calendar and live on your terms. This manifesto is your blueprint to keep pushing the limits, challenging your body and mind, and shredding through the societal expectations that try to dictate what aging should look like.
Here, I’ll explain why strength isn’t just an option but a necessity, how to keep moving like your life depends on it (because it does), and why you should never let anyone tell you what age-appropriate is. If you’re ready to live large and in charge, stick around. Disgraceful aging isn’t just a mindset; it’s a lifestyle, and here are nine thoughts for making it happen.
9 Tenets Of Disgraceful Aging
Yeah, I know—nine is a lot—but the older I get, the more determined I am not to act my age. If you feel the same way, you’re in the right place. Start with one, two, and four as they’re the most important and work from there. Whatever you do, no matter your age, don’t let society dictate how you should live.
Strength is Non-Negotiable
Let’s get one thing straight—strength training isn’t just for young whipper snappers; it’s for everyone, especially as you rack up birthdays. Your muscles aren’t checking your ID and don’t care how many years you’ve seen; they only care if you’re working them.
It is not about hitting PRs every workout; it’s about lifting and challenging yourself to keep your muscles firing and your body strong. As the old clichéd adage goes, “Move it or lose it,” because strength isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
The real enemy is not age but inactivity. Train with weights, hit the resistance bands, swing the kettlebells, or move heavy stuff around. Whatever it takes, ensure you’re giving your muscles a reason to grow, not shrink.
Moving With Intent
Motion is lotion baby, and stagnation. That’s just another word for surrender. To keep living life on your terms, you’ve got to keep moving with intent.
Think of your daily movement as your rebellion against the rust that tries to creep in with age. It’s not just about gym time; it’s about integrating activity throughout your day. Walk, stretch, dance in your kitchen—whatever floats your boat.
Moving with intent does more than keep you mobile; it boosts your metabolism, sharpens your mind, and elevates your mood. It’s the natural high that no pill can match. So, whether it’s a structured workout or the daily hustle, make your movement meaningful and enjoyable.
Disgraceful Aging Ignores Age-Appropriate BS
Who says you can’t rock a leather jacket at 60 or start skateboarding at 65? If it makes you feel good, do it; if it challenges you, it’s even better.
Society has many opinions about what suits the older adult crowd. Well, it’s time to prove them wrong. Wear what you love, do the things that ignite your spirit, and never let ‘age-appropriate’ limits dim your style or actions. Disgraceful aging isn’t just about resisting norms but defining yourself on your terms.
Remember, every time you choose to do what you love, despite the raised eyebrows or the doubtful looks, you’re not just living your best life—you’re also inspiring others to break out of their shells. So lace up those sneakers, pull on that outfit that makes you feel unstoppable, and step out.
Challenge Your Brain
You’re not just exercising; you’re building a fortress, including your brain. Like you wouldn’t skip leg day (you don’t, right?), you can’t overlook your mental fitness either. Learning a new skill, a new hobby, or even starting a side hustle aren’t just pastimes; they’re brain builders.
Engaging in mentally challenging activities keeps your cognitive gears grinding and your neural pathways firing. So, what’s it going to be? Learning a new language, picking up the guitar, or finally writing that book you’ve been thinking about? Whatever it is, approach it with the same intensity and discipline you bring to the gym.
Train your brain to be as resilient and adaptable as your muscles, ensuring you stay sharp and ready.
Refuse to Be Fragile
The word ‘Fragile’ is used for glass, not people. As you age, it’s easy for the world to expect you to slow down and start wrapping yourself in cotton wool. Don’t do that; instead, train for resilience.
Think about it. Why settle for being careful when you can be capable? Building strength, enhancing flexibility, and boosting endurance are more than just fitness; they’re about fortifying yourself against life’s hard knocks. It’s about being strong enough to take whatever comes and bounce back stronger.
So ditch the fear of “fall risks” and the dread of decline by incorporating strength training, balance exercises, and agility workouts into your routine. Make resilience your goal, and carry that toughness into your daily life.
Don’t Act Your Age
What does it even mean to “act your age”? Why not if you want to jump in puddles, go for a midnight snack run, or belt out your favorite tune in public?
Life’s too short to play by others’ rules.
Aging is an adventure, not a slow descent into the good night. So, why not make it fun? Throw out those stale stereotypes about what’s age-appropriate. Whether hitting the dance floor or scaling a rock wall, let your spirit, not your birth year, dictate your actions.
Remember, every time you defy those age norms, you’re not just having a good time—you’re also setting an example. Show the world that age only defines you if you let it.
Say Yes to Adventure
If there’s one thing I encourage, it is the courage to step into the unknown. Age shouldn’t be a barrier to adventure. Whether traveling to a new country, trying out a new sport, or taking a different path on your walk, adventure keeps life interesting. Saying yes to new experiences isn’t just about thrill-seeking; it’s about growing, learning, and expanding your horizons.
Keep embracing the unfamiliar, push the boundaries, and discover how much life offers beyond your comfort zone. So, pack your bag, tie your laces, and set out on a fun adventure. It’s all out there waiting for you to make the first move.
Surround Yourself with Energy
Energy is contagious, and who you choose to spend time with can make a huge difference in how you feel and live. Although this is always true, I think it’s more important as we age.
Surround yourself with positive people who are just as driven as you are to stay active and engaged. It’s about avoiding constant negativity and seeking out those who inspire you to be your best. These people laugh with you, support your crazy ideas, and cheer you on at the finish line.
So, take a good look at your inner circle. Ensure it’s filled with people and things that light up your days and fuel your motivation to keep moving.
Never Apologize for Staying in the Game
People might tell you it’s time to take it easy, step back, and relax, but if you have read this far, you know better. You understand the importance of staying active, engaged, and competitive, regardless of age.
Lift that weight, run that extra mile, and tackle that challenging workout. When you defy expectations and lift more than others think you can, you’re not just maintaining your strength but making a statement.
So, never apologize for your drive to keep competing, improving, and staying in the game. It’s your life, your health, and your journey. Smile, nod, and then out-lift everyone in the room because this is how you age disgracefully.
Wrapping Up
If that doesn’t inspire you to get off the couch and get after it, nothing will. Aging disgracefully is not about going out of your way to be different. It’s about not changing who you are despite your age. If you’re ready to live strong and on your terms, contact me here about the Aging Disgracefully Strength Program. It’s a lot of fun.
See you on the other side.
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