As one grows older......

As I grow older, it makes me wonder what actually happen when the number goes up. Below is a list of things (facts and fictions) which I can think of:

1- You grow more matured (fiction)
2- Its just a number which counts up (fact)
3- Your reaction is slower due to restriction in movement (fact)
4- Your tummy gets bigger due to overeating and lack of exercise (fiction)
5- Your stress level goes higher due to more responsibilities in life (fact)
6- Your maximum heart rate is lower based on the "220-age" calculation (fact)
7- Your joins starts to ache (fact)
8- Your blood pressure is higher due to increase in stress (fiction)
9- You are more prone to sickness (fiction)
10- You start to lose more hair (fact + fiction)
11- You become smarter (fact + fiction)
12- Your stamina decreases (fact)
13- Your recovery rate is slower (fact)

While I ponder about the list, some of them are mere excuses. For example:

4- Your tummy gets bigger due to overeating and lack of exercise (fiction)
Its just an excuse of not exercising. I've known many older people beyond the age of 60 who exercise regularly and maintain a healthy diet. They are still slim and slender and growing old gracefully.

8- Your blood pressure is higher due to increase in stress (fiction)
9- You are more prone to sickness (fiction)
12- Your stamina decreases (fact)
 These are also results of not having a healthy lifestyle. While it is true that as you grow older, you will be spending more time doing household chores and work, however there is always some time for exercise. Total time for the day is fixed, however how we utilise time is not. Just have to be wise at managing it.

Few more items in the list are facts which cannot be prevented, however they are things we can do to delay or counter them, for example:

3- Your reaction is slower due to restriction in movement (fact)
Well it is true as you grow older, your movements will be slower due to restrictions. Worn joints can hinder fluid movement in the body. With proper medication, training and equipments, you can actually increase your reaction back to the level where it was few years ago however it may take you double or triple the effort compared to someone younger.

6- Your maximum heart rate is lower based on the "220-age" calculation (fact)
The "220-age" calculation is a generic calculation catering for the average person for calculation of maximum heart rate. Your actual heart rate depends a lot on the strength of your heart and how smooth the blood can flow in your body. If there are a lot of restrictions, your heart will have to pump faster and harder (hence higher blood pressure) to supply blood and vice versa. With proper cardio exercise, one can increase their heart rate and lower their blood pressure, therefore it is still possible to achieve a higher maximum heart rate at a certain age compared to the calculation.

12- Your stamina decreases (fact)
13- Your recovery rate is slower (fact)
Both of these facts are true scientifically, however with regular exercise, one can maintain and even improve his/her stamina. It may take more effort to do this compared to someone younger. As for the recovery rate, as we grow older, our body' defence mechanism is weaker hence recovery from stress to the muscles and immune system takes a bit of time. If we injury ourself, it may take longer to heal naturally compared to someone younger hence as you grow older, more safeguards need to be put in place to exercise safely.

With all these in mind, lets embrace ageing with open arms and grow old gracefully :)