What's Keeping You Accountable?

I believe that one of the biggest threats to healthy aging is the gradual tendency to let ourselves do a little less each year. Without realizing it or even really thinking about it, we slow down, do less, and rest more.

The Slow Drift

As I get older, I've noticed a common pattern among many of my peers. Where they once powerwalked with a bit of chatting, they now take a leisurely 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, illness, or another health concern, adjusting your exercise routine is the right thing to do. But if you're healthy, try not to fall into the trap of slowing down simply 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, riding with intensity when you can, and lifting weights that challenge you. The goal should be to stay strong and mobile enough to get into a kayak or canoe, move your own furniture, carry boxes up from the basement, climb a ladder to trim a vine, and remain independent for as long as possible.

Accountability Changes Everything

I find that few of us notice when we're gradually slowing down. It happens one skipped workout, one shorter bike ride, one slower walk at a time. And before long, this new pace of life becomes the new normal..

This is where accountability becomes so important. Being accountable to someone or something encourages us to continue to keep challenging ourselves.

A workout partner, a fitness class, a smartwatch, a coach, or even a personal goal can all provide accountability. I find that few of us can maintain our fitness entirely on our own. It's too easy to slow down and take it easy without some kind of encouragement to help us to stay 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 every day. 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.