What's Keeping You Accountable?
I believe that one of the biggest threats to healthy aging is the tendency do a little less physical activity each year. Without even thinking about it, we slow down, move less, and relax more.
The Slow Drift
As I get older, I've noticed a common pattern among many people my age. Where they once powerwalked with a bit of chatting, they now stroll with a lot of chatting. Long, sweaty bike rides have become shorter, more casual rides. Strength workouts have become lighter, less frequent, or have disappeared altogether.
Photo by Anupam Mahapatra on Unsplash
Of course, if you're dealing with an injury or health concern, adjusting your activity level may be the right thing to do.
But if you're healthy, don’t fall into the trap of slowing down because it seems like the right thing to do or because you notice others doing it.
This doesn't mean you should train like you're 25. But it does mean continuing to walk with purpose, cycling with intensity when you can, and lifting weights that challenge you.
The goal should be to stay strong and mobile enough to get into and out of an armless chair, or perhaps even a kayak or canoe, move your own furniture, carry boxes up from the basement, and remain independent for as long as possible.
Accountability Changes Everything
A simple way to stay committed to your fitness is to create some form of accountability: a workout buddy, fitness class, smartwatch, coach, or even a personal goal can provide the encouragement you need to keep going.
Few of us can maintain our fitness entirely on our own. It’s too easy to slow down without some form of encouragement to keep us motivated and on track.
Don't Let Age Set Your Limits
If you're 50, 60, 70, or 80 and don't have any major health concerns, make it a priority to be active most days. Work up some heat, or better yet, a sweat. Adjust your routine as needed, but don't back off simply because of your age.
Have you heard the saying, "It's better to wear out than rust out"? There's an important message here: Like any machine, our bodies are meant to move, and they work best when they're challenged regularly.
Update July 8, 2026: Click here for more on this topic from an American geriatrician who says that her healthy older patients all avoid one thing. Guess what it might be!
