A New Definition For ''Old''

Jack LaLanne, the Godfather of Fitness lived to be 96 and he worked out two hours the day before he passed from URI. I love that he really "lived" each day and he didn't "retire." I'm 63 and never plan to be "old." - 10/6/2012 7:44:59 AM

"Just because there is now on the roof doesn't mean there,s not a fire in the furnace.

"But what does it mean if there's frost around the furnace door?" Hmmm. - 9/28/2012 1:10:03 PM

My clock is really tickin' fast on me, but I try not to think about it too much. My mind is still 30 although my body often begs to differ. I receive lots of encouragement when I read about people older than I who are active, healthy and fit. That would mean people in their 70s and up! - 9/28/2012 8:50:09 AM

I absolutely love this article. As a college student I worked part time in a retirement home, and I've never loved a job more. Talk about wisdom, epic tales, great humor and life lessons. 20 years later, I still remember some of the residents because I learned so much from them. I find it a pity that seniors are not celebrated more and used more in society to coach us younger people--all that experience and wisdom gathered over decades should be celebrated! - 9/28/2012 7:36:47 AM

I agree with Chris3874. - 5/10/2012 8:47:42 AM

Yeah 30 is the new 20, 60 is the new 40, etc. Age is all in your mind. People are living longer, healthier lives and it's time that the word old no longer be applied to people or things. A lot of things get better with age - wine, cheese, people. I wouldn't redo my teens or 20's again if someone paid me lots of money to do it. I love where I am now and where I am going. When I was down about getting older, a friends mother looked at me and said "you're still here!" I hold onto that every day. I'm still here... - 5/6/2012 12:06:04 AM

I love this artical! It is so true! My Mother is an amazing example of the "new" old. If you ask her how old I am or how old she is, she says, "I am only today". (Yoda said this). She is still VERY active, she wrote a book that is being sold on Amozan & she travels promoting her book. She has always been VERY creative, but lately she is excelling with energy, high hopes & manifesting her life long goals & dreams.

I believe she is doing SO great because of her possitive atitude. She has great health & is an insperation to me & all she meets. A truly amazing woman!

Thanks to Spark People for your wonderful "work". You are helping us all!

*~LIGHT
- 4/26/2012 4:34:58 PM

I've certainly wanting to explore the definition of "old" now that I've hit 5-0. I want to set goals for the next 30 years for health and livability.

It would be great to interact with the "older" set to learn the things that have kept them challenged and growing through the years. -- I know an item that kept my great-aunt going until age 95 was her "green thumb" and growing things no matter where she lived! - 3/29/2012 9:52:17 PM

My m.i.l. is 68 and bed-ridden in a nursing home with morbid obesity and diabetes and a host of other ailments, all life-style related according to doctors. My mother is 91 and lives at home and still gets around to do some cooking and cleaning and other daily-life type activities. She has always practiced moderation. I can relate to both of them, and I take inspiration from both of them. We are all role-models for someone. I am 52 and walk, hike, run, lift weights, and other activities. I have modeled an active life-style for my children. I have fallen down in that department in terms of my eating habits, but those have improved greatly, thanks in large part to SP. I figure I can get old while sitting around, or I can get older while moving around - I choose to keep moving and am very grateful I can. - 2/25/2012 6:27:28 PM

I'm 62 and I recently heard that 60 is the "new 40". Sounds great to me and I'm stickin' to it!! As I was zooming down the ski slopes in Breckenridge a couple of weeks ago, I was feeling more like 35. But then I looked in the mirror and wondered who stole my face???!! And then there are those mornings when you wake up so stiff.

Seriously...I do want to remind people that we don't have total control over our health. There are some folks who, b/c of genetics or just plan crumby luck, get sick...some seriously sick....through no fault of their own. Some were exposed to toxins in the workplace or through the military that they were totally unaware of or unable to prevent. Some were born with physical issues that make it almost impossible to maintain a "normal" weight. We must be VERY careful about being judgmental. BUT...to the extent that WE can do anything to give our own bodies a chance at a healthier existence...then WHY WOULDN'T WE??? That is the question I keep asking myself when I'm tempted by juicy hamburgers and delicious french fried onion rings or delectable double chocolate chip ice cream waffle cones!!

I have several older friends, in their mid to late 70s and into their 80s who are very active, still climbing mountains (literally!) and waterskiing and kayaking and carrying firewood (some still cut it!)They are a total inspiration to me. But the people who are even more of an inspiration are some of those spoken about earlier, who have been saddled with a difficult diagnosis and still are grateful to God for all of their blessings and manage to use their trials in life to shape themselves into having a more Christ-like character and continue to live life in the best way they can, loving and caring about others. Jo - 2/25/2012 4:30:39 PM

I live in one of the "oldest" counties in the US. So I see a lot of seniors. And I see way too many unhealthy seniors that are living the consequences of lifestyle choices that go back to their younger days. You don't want to be the guy in the wheelchair with the portable oxygen tank from the age of 65 onward. I have to admit, a lot of what motivates my workouts is the differences I see around me of those seniors that have maintained their activity level and demonstrate a real zest for living and sheer enjoyment of their senior years and all they can bring, and those that are fighting a losing battle with dozens of ailments that take over their lives as they age so there is hardly time to spare that isn't in managing your condition. - 2/25/2012 5:53:38 AM

Love these comments. My Dad was 87 when he died and Mom was 99. One day when she was in her late 80s she told me that some days she feels 16 and then she looks in the mirror. I told her to just break the mirror and be 16. She was never "old" - stayed active until one morning she just did not wake up. Even had a sweet little smile on her lips. She was a real "doll" - loved by all who knew her.
- 1/28/2012 11:45:44 AM

the Bible say a grey head is a crown of glory . How seldom in this YOUTH orientated society do we value the old. - 1/23/2012 9:41:10 PM

My parents are in their mid 70's and still go to the gym three times a week. It is mentally and physically good for them. They meet alot of people and really love staying active. My sister and I call them Maller's as they go window shopping alot, but that is where they get their exercise as well. Age is just a number to me. It's how you feel inside that counts and to know your limits. - 9/25/2011 1:54:37 PM

I've known many 70 something year olds that are in better shape physically and mentally then the 30 year olds I know.
I wish my dad was one of them. He turns 65 this year and is basically homebound. He had a heart attack at 59 which ended in quadruple bypass and severe anxiety. He took early retirement because he couldn't work (he was a train engineer) because he constantly felt like he was having another heart attack. Then he hurt his back and has been told he has 2 ruptured disks but he refuses to have surgery because he's afraid it won't help and his insurance is so sucky he'd be paying for most of it out of pocket. He's suffered for THREE years in constant agonizing pain. And went from an overweight but fairly active guy (I mean you gave to be in some kind of physically fit condition to be climbing up and down on the engines while their moving) to being almost bedridden. It's sad. - 8/8/2011 7:46:29 PM