4 Myths About Aging You Need To Bust Now!

Many people hold themselves back as they age because they have fixed beliefs about aging. Here are 4 common myths that are widely accepted in our society today that could be compromising your health and limiting your ability to live a pain-free life in your later years. 

Your Best Years Are Behind You

"Where there is no vision, the people perish" Proverbs 29:18 (KJV)

The concept of having a vision for your future dates back to biblical times and without a vision we will die. It sounds dramatic but in reality, we've all heard of people who have retired from work and passed away shortly after because they believed their best years were behind them and couldn't see a future for themselves. This means we need a compelling reason to live so our best years are always ahead of us. My Pilates clients in their 60s, 70s, and 80s are living proof of this as they become stronger and fitter through Pilates with each passing year. They enjoy walking holidays both in Australia and overseas, some are active grandparents, and others volunteer their time for causes they are passionate about. They learn new skills such as a foreign language in preparation for a country they will be visiting.  As you can see, all human beings need a vision for their future regardless of age so make sure you always have dreams and goals you want to achieve so your future is something to look forward to and your best years are always ahead.

Seniors Are Unable To Exercise

One of my clients in her early 70s once asked me very confidentially if she had outstayed her welcome at Pilates. At first, I didn't understand what she was getting at but then she explained her concern in more detail. She wanted to know when she should stop Pilates. She was delighted when I told her there was no age limit and I had several clients successfully practicing Pilates in their 80s. I had taught some clients in their 90s at another studio in my early teaching career too. There is a lot of false information circulating that exercise and movement are bad for older adults when the opposite is true. We start losing muscle mass as early as our 30s but by maintaining our muscle mass as we age we are safeguarding ourselves against a large number of illnesses and helping to prevent falls and fractures. Pilates and exercise are for life and the beauty of Pilates is that it can be adapted to your needs at any age.

You Should Avoid Stairs

Stair climbing is an excellent way to maintain your fitness and definitely should not be avoided in your later years.  Recently one of my clients in her mid-60s downsized from her 2-storey home of  30. years to a smaller 1-level home without stairs.   After only 2 months she noticed a decline in her fitness. She climbed some stairs during a daily walk and it was much harder than ever before.  She asked how she could regain her lost fitness so I suggested she buy an. exercise step which she did. We now incorporate 'stepping" challenges into her twice-weekly Pilates sessions. She also includes as many stairs as she can on her daily walks. Stair climbing helps improve balance, proprioception, and cardiovascular health.  So avoiding stairs as you age is a dangerous myth. As long as you have the security of a handrail include as many stairs as possible in your daily life! 

You Have No Control Over How You Age

I once had a conversation with an acquaintance who confidently told me we have no control over how we age and she believed all illnesses and diseases occur randomly and it's the luck of the draw for all of us.
This was shocking to me as we have a wealth of information available to us in modern times to help us take control of our own health and fitness. We now know certain cancers have been proven to be caused by alcohol consumption while smoking causes lung cancer and other diseases.  A sedentary lifestyle can cause diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure for example. We can help ourselves by following a healthy diet, ensuring we have regular movement and exercise and having a compelling vision for our future. This can all contribute to successful aging.  None of us know what lies ahead but if you do contract an illness, disease or injury that was completely unexpected the stronger and healthier you are to begin with the better the outcome for you in the long term. Knowing you have a degree of control over how you age is an empowering feeling.

I hope this post inspires you to let go of any limiting beliefs that may be holding you back from enjoying a fulfilling life as you age.  If you are ready to start your Pilates journey to pain-free living in your later years email me at [email protected]. Alternatively,  access my online Pilates program of on-demand videos which I specifically designed to help you recover from pain or injury  It would be my pleasure to assist you!