Industry Condescending to Seniors
When researching,” exercise older adults” or “best exercises for seniors”, I was struck by the tone of the articles. They all seemed to be written by young professionals who act as if we seniors are one step from entering a Hospital or Rehab Unit. They seem to me to be very condescending, almost to the point of insulting. The exercises they show are all for the very old or for the extremely out of shape, people who look like they just got out of Rehab or are planning to go in.
Active Boomers
I’m reaching out to the active senior. The people that I’m interested in helping are seniors who realize that they need to step up their program or develop new programs to maintain what they have and to build better muscle tone so that they can continue to do the activities they love, and live longer healthier more productive lives. People, that are looking for a proven way of staying fit and active as they approach their 70s. A program that they can do in an hour or less, 3 times a week, and get results.
Three Basics
1. Do at least 150 minutes of walking or another aerobic exercise per week
2 . Practice strength training 2-3 times per week, but never 2 days in a row
3. Balance exercises every day
The articles then go into detail, about specific exercises, and here is where I have a real problem, because the exercises look like we all live in old folks homes, and use walkers. Their idea of a squat is sitting and getting up from a chair, their idea of an upper-body exercise is doing a wall push up, and of course, they all suggest doing 3 sets of 12 or 15 reps, which, as I’ve already mentioned is hogwash.
It’s Insulting
To have fitness “experts” talk down to Baby Boomers, like all we’ve been doing is sitting in front of a TV eating chips, for the last 20 years is insulting. If you believe like I do that 70 is the new 60, then it’s probably upsetting to you too. That’s one of the reasons I started this Website, for people who are not interested in disappearing quietly into the night. Instead, it’s for people that have a zest for life, and a desire to push the boundaries, of what’s possible. I want it known, right here, right now, that anything is possible, if you have the right attitude, no matter your age.
Tired of the Condescending Attitude
If your sick and tired of the “experts” constantly pontificating beliefs, that only turn out to be wrong, ten or fifteen years down the road, then you are in the right place. Ageism exists in our country and it’s both casual and systemic. The prejudicial attitudes towards older people, old age, and the aging process have led to discriminatory practices against older people (esp. baby boomers) in both institutional practices and policies. These attitudes perpetuate a stereotype about seniors and what it means to grow old.
Dis-empowering Beliefs
Seniors themselves are guilty of buying into the attitude of Ageism. After, all we have internalized a lifetime of the negative stereotypes ourselves. If you add to these stereotypes, the fear of death, disability, or dependence, it’s no wonder that we see so much angst out there among our generation.
With advances in Medicine and our overall quality of life in the last 25 years, we are seeing more and more people adopting the attitude that today’s 70 is the new 60 and 80 the new 70. In order for this attitude to really flower Seniors have got to be willing to change their own dis-empowering beliefs about growing old.
Join the Fight
Many have started the discussion about Ageism, Pierce Brosnan, Madonna, and Kim Cattrall to name a few, so a movement is starting. This website is my “Line in the Sand” that the beliefs about Seniors, getting and staying in shape are wrong, and that the whole stereotype, of what’s possible, once you’re a senior is wrong. The general stereotype in our society about what it means to grow old needs to be refuted. To be setting Goals and striving to attain them is what keeps you young, I can’t imagine a life without them.
Conclusion
A wise man once said, “that as long as a Man is striving towards a Goal he is a success”. Through my many careers, I’ve come to realize, that to work at something or for someone for ten or twenty years is a long time, especially nowadays. If you entering your 60s, now is the time to refocus and set new Goals, that will ensure that the next 10 or 20 years are not only the most enjoyable but also the most profitable. Getting or maintaining your health and fitness is the starting point., for without that nothing is possible. Once you have a firm foundation in this area, the sky is the limit. And as we have all heard countless times ” the only one who limits you is you”
As always, thanks for visiting. Dave