Active Babs's Blog

Embrace Aging

activebabs — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 19:02:51 +0000

The Active Boomer motto is: Be Active. Stay Active. Embrace Aging™ . Why embrace something we’ve fought our entire lives? Weren’t we the “never trust anyone over 30” generation? The ones who challenged the 1950’s straight-laced rules with free love, rock music, and Levi jeans? My brother was suspended from school in the 8^th grade for wearing blue jeans and a button down collar white shirt to school (gasp!). Very, very radical attack on the school dress code! When I first started teaching , women faculty had to wear dresses and skirts- no pants or jeans for us! Now, we wear jeans to work, to dinner, even to church!

Dictionary.com defines embrace as “press to the bosom (sounds comforting to me), to take or receive gladly; accept willingly; to adopt”. Synonyms: seize, embody. Now we’re talking. Just like we changed attitudes about sex, music, civil rights, women’s roles, and dress we can seize the opportunity to change views about aging. Twain famously said, “Aging is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind it doesn’t matter.” To embrace aging is to recognize that it just doesn’t matter to me.

Someone once said, “They say that age is all in your head. The trick is keeping it from creeping down into your body.” Creeping down into the body is going to happen whether we want it or not. We can fight it with facelifts, tummy tucks, human growth hormone injections- yikes! Years ago my sister and I were in a gift shop and saw a mug with the caption, “Help me I’m starting to look my mother!” We bought one for each other and made a pledge not to let that happen! Well, at 60 when I look in the mirror I see my mother’s face staring back at me. Not such a bad thing since she passed away five years ago and I miss her every day. I also see wrinkles, lots of wrinkles. Instead of hating them I choose to believe they are signs of a life well-lived; a life full of laughter, friends, and a few sorrows. What about the tummy tuck idea? I confess I’ve thought about it. I know friends who’ve had one. Let’s just say, it hurts and I’m a chicken!

That brings me to the first part of the Active Boomer™ motto: Be Active. Stay Active. I know I can’t stop the aging process but I can do lots to control the effects of aging. I can choose to enjoy this next phase of my life. I can get up each morning, laugh at the body part screaming for Aspercreme, put on my walking shoes and Active Boomer t-shirt , take a walk, try to fit in some strength exercises, eat well and enjoy 60+ years of a life well lived.

Active Boomer ™ invites you to join us in this campaign to: Be Active. Stay Active. Embrace Aging.™

New Year’s Resolution- NOT!

activebabs — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 22:30:54 +0000

I’ve typically avoided New Year’s Resolutions. I mean, why set yourself up for failure right at the beginning of a brand, spanking new year? Mark Twain quiped, ” New Year’s Day… now is the accepted time to make your regular resolutions. Next week you can begin paving hell with them as usual.” That’s pretty much my experience. In fact, according to statistics posted in a 2004 article, “Auld Lang Syne”, in the Journal of Pyschology, in the 1st week folks keep 75% of their resoultions, 71% in the 2nd week, and by 6 months less than 50% (46% to be exact) are still on track. My experience is that by the second week all the good intentions are paving material.

However, if one was to make a resolution with the intention of keeping it, there are steps that “experts’ say lead to success. A very popular resoultion is “Get Fit”. OK, OK, I’ll admit it. Getting fit has been my sort of, kind of resolution for the last 4-5 years. IF I was to get really, really serious about this resolution here’s what I need to do. First, make it a commitment and not a wish. What’s the difference? A wish is something we hope for but don’t make a plan to achieve. Guess that means the picture of an incredibly fit Martina Navratilova, this year’s spokesperson for AARP Fitness, posted on my frig with the words “You too could look like Martina!” is not a commitment but a wish? Does motivation count?

Once the commitment is made (sigh!) the next step is the actual plan. So I guess that means that once a week moving the weights to dust under them is not a plan? Or, posting the workout routine on the frig without a chart with target dates doesn’t really count? Nope this plan has target dates, goals and a fallback plan for slip-ups! Drat! This is getting serious.

It’s also suggested to get a buddy. This is a great suggestion- except that my buddy’s are as much of a slug bait as I! We’ve all made the same New Year s resolution year after year- usually made New Year’s Eve while sipping a very fine cabernet. Joining a fitness club is another suggestion. If I had all the money I’ve spent on unused memberships I could spend 3 months at the Red Mountain Spa being pampered into fitness! AARP does have a free walking program, Get Fit on Route 66, that looks like a lot of fun… and motivational. Perhaps I’ll give that a try?

Well, there you have it. A process to keep a Get Fit New Year’s Resolution… if one was to make that kind of commitment. Me? I’m still at the “thinking stage”. After-all, New Year’s is 4 days away.

Got out the weights- Pt 2

activebabs — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 21:21:55 +0000

Thankfully, yesterday was a day off from the weights! I knew it would happen- the price I pay for not regularly working out. By Monday night the thighs were screaming and aspirin was the evening cocktail of choice. This is why I detest squats and lunges. It’s always a delicate choice between thunder thighs and a sagging butt, and pain. OK, I know it wouldn’t be that way if I did this more often but…

Anyway, did 3 reps of each activity today and didn’t die- cried, winced, grimaced (does this count as facial toning?). Still not exactly enjoying the program but feel better about my efforts. Tomorrow- the pedometer. I will make it to 5,000 steps!

Got Out the Weights- Now Use Them!

activebabs — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 17:46:23 +0000

OK, I got out the weights last week. To be specific I dusted them off, placed them in order on the floor where I will trip over them and posted the workout routine on the refrigerator to remind me of the good intentions every time I open the door.

Studies show fitness doesn’t mean hours of work each day- short bursts of three 10-15 minutes can beneficial and last about 30 minutes. Not to mention matches my interest/commitment level! The routine I choose has 3 sets of combined exercises that work on strength, elevate the heart rate and work the upper and lower body at the same time. Supposed to do 3 sets of 8-10 reps per move. Sounds good.

Macho Babs would choose 8 lbs. weights- Inactive Babs chose 5 lb. weights. No sense in going crazy! First, bicep curls while doing squats. Supposed to be good for the biceps, thighs and butt. Next, on the floor for bridges combined with a chest fly. Getting on the floor is not easy and especially difficult with 3 dogs licking your face and impairing concentration. While on the floor I should do some crunches…. maybe not! Finally, lunges with tricep kickbacks. I’ve always hated lunges- mostly because my knees crack and remind me I’m not a spring chicken anymore! Thanks goodness this routine is only recommended for every other day. Supposed to do more aerobic work on the “other” days. Where is that trusty pedometer anyway?

Time for confession. I did 2 sets of reps, not 3. Boredom strikes again. Perhaps I need a a workout buddy… any volunteers? Remember the Active Boomer motto: Be Active. Stay Active. Embrace Aging™!

Time to Dust Off the Weights!

activebabs — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:53:23 +0000

It’s been cold here, really, really cold…. 20 degrees in the morning and highs in the 30′s. For much of the country this is mild weather, in the desert- it’s cold. The storm on Monday dumped snow on the mountain peaks, little piles on the valley floor. Not unheard of but unusual for this time of the year. That means bundling up to take the dogs for the morning walk- ick! It’s why I left cold, overcast, gloomy Michigan years ago! OK- enough whinning!
Feeling the need for a little more exercise I search out the weights. Yes, I own an impressive set and cleverly use the 12 pounders to anchor the foot stool so the dog has an easier time jumping onto the bed. The rest of them are in the back bedroom, neatly stacked… and ever so dusty!
Out they come. “My, they’re heavy.” Even the “baby weights”- the 3 pounders seem hard to manage. When was the last time I used them? Probably this time last year. “Oh, look! On the floor right next to them is the last work-out routine I used.” Biceps, triceps, curls, lunges, lifts. “Yep, it’s all there. A complete work-out.” Well, maybe tomorrow. I’ve got to make Christmas cookies right now!

Be Active.

activebabs — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:49:39 +0000

Our company, Active Boomer, exhibited at the Vegas@50+ annual AARP convention in October. Great fun, lots of very active seniors and those little motorized scooter zipping all over the place! No collisions but plenty of near misses, and, one memorable heated exchange about learning proper scooter etiquette. Of course, we visited all the booths and snarfed up our share of freebies. The hit of the show were those little pins with lights; the cowboy boots and guitars were HOT!

One of the companies gave away pedometers. What a great idea for an active gal like me (NOT!). Mindful of the Bob Greene suggestion to walk 5,000 steps each day I decided to give it a go! First step, activate the pedometer. Slowly remove the protective battery strip. Done, it works. OK, looking good but Stacy and Clinton from What Not to Wear fame would be appalled!

Now, calibrate the pedometer to my steps. Well, let’s just say that I walked over 200 steps trying to calibrate it… and I’m not getting credit for those steps ‘cause I had to re-set each time! I’m exhausted from this activity but do have it attached to my belt so we’ll see what happens today.

Already took the dogs for the AM jaunt so probably missed out on 1,000 steps or so. (Am I taking this too seriously?) Through-out the day I did my normal things, like wander from room to room trying to remember why I went into that room, re-tracing my steps, and starting again. Looking for my misplaced glasses is worth about 50-60 steps per day. What the heck? It’s all about moving!
Typical evening dog walk is about 1,200 steps. Good!
The total? 2,795 steps or about 1.08 miles. Not bad, at least more than couch potato status. What did I learn? Nothing new really, just an independent confirmation that in order to qualify for Active Boomer status I need to ramp up the activity. You know the Active Boomer motto: Be Active. Stay Active. Embrace Aging. ™

55+ Active Senior Communities

activebabs — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:02:39 +0000

My partner and I visited one of those 55+ active senior communities in our area today. We live in the Southern Utah area which is a mecca for snowbirds from the Northwest US and Canada, and Baby Boomers fleeing high taxes in California, so there are several places from which to choose.
I have to admit a 50+ retirement community is not exactly my idea of heaven. My folks retired to a mobile home community in Florida. It was lovely with an executive golf course, shuffleboard, and lawn bowling ball because the park was half Canadian. They also had activities like knitting, crocheting, photography, painting, pottery, and computers. The creepy factor for me was not all the wrinkled skin and grey hair, ( OK, I admit I was younger!) it was the folks walking morning, noon and night- just walking, walking, walking. I asked Mom about it and she said, “Us old folks sometimes can’t sleep so instead of tossing and turning all night we sometimes get up and walk.” Lovely as it was, and certainly my parents were happy there, I couldn’t see myself in a retirement park.
Flash forward 15 years… This particular community uses the slogan, “Live Young” and bills itself as a place for active seniors. While residents must be 55 or older it is in some ways different from my parent’s park. Yes, golf, tennis, shuffleboard, and even lawn bowling are available. There’s also pickleball, one of the fastest growing Baby Boomer sports. The Fitness Center has personal trainers and yoga, kick boxing, and spin classes. Clubs are also different, too. Knitting and crocheting have been replaced with hiking, biking and lapidary.
There were folks walking, walking, walking but they were power walking or taking a stroll with their dogs.
Am I interested in some day joining a 55+ active senior community? Not quite yet. But at least I know there are places where active Boomer can live with like-minded souls.

But they fit last year…

activebabs — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:19:31 +0000

It’s finally cooling down here and time to put away the summer togs and bring out the heavier clothes. Ah, favorite sweater, comfy jacket, lovely wool pants… out of the zipper bag and into the closet.
What’s this? The sweater is a little snug, the pants… well; let’s just say that skin tight fabric is less than flattering on “more mature” hips, thighs and fanny. Quick, check the size! Did someone else’s clothes get mixed with mine? Sadly, they are mine.
How can it be that I wear the same size but the clothes just don’t fit the same? I remember coming home from school one day and my mother was in tears. She had to go to a fancy dinner with Dad and none of her party dresses fit. Her weight was the same but her body had shifted. I’m afraid I had little sympathy- then. Guess this isn’t just a Baby Boomer thing?
What’s to be done about this infamous shape shifter challenge? Diet and exercise, of course. Yet one more reason to get out the walking shoes (they still fit), slap on the pedometer, and walk! Now, not in the morning, not later, now! (Sigh) I will be an Active Boomer, I will be an Active Boomer, I will……

60th Birthdays

activebabs — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 16:30:11 +0000

One of the partners turned 60 yesterday. In fact, every day 8,000 people turn 60… and this will continue for the next 15 years. Sorta’ makes you realize there a LOT of Baby Boomers out there! It does seem these big decade birthdays cause many of us to stop and reflect or move into heavy denial!

Remember your 30th birtday? I had just moved to Las Vegas to teach school. Big celebration with new friends in a new city. Not much thought about the future except that it was bright and full of plans. The 40th birtday was a little troubling. After-all, there were “friends” to remind me about middle age, lots of cards in black , and the beginning thoughts about what am I doing with my life. The Big 50, now that was interesting. Good friends, funny cards to make the day less painful. But, reflection time in full force for this Boomer Gal. More resolutions to get into shape. And like all good resolutions broken by age 51! Retirement planning in full swing. What would it like to be retired? What would I do? Where would I live? Could I afford retirement? When?

Then age 60. It was a great celebration with a week long stay in Hawaii. Yahoo! Course, the bathing suit thing was frightening since the 50th b’day resolution was not kept. (EEECK!) Found myself rather involuntarily retired after being laid off. Job hunting at 60 is not a pretty thing. But, what’s that about doors and windows, lemons and lemonade? Got together with friends and started a business. It’s all good….

Except, the body is a very different story! Had I realized I had to actually had to keep this body I might have taken better care of it! Well, probably not! No more excuses. I have time to exercise, time to get in shape. It’s just the motivation to do more than take the dogs for long morning and afternoon hikes and call that aerobic activity. Stay tuned as I and my partners get serious about the Be Active, Stay Active, Embrace Aging ™ mantra!

Welcome!

activebabs — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 19:05:55 +0000

Active Babs is the voice of Boomer on www.Activeboomer.com. Who is Active Babs really? She just turned 60 (yikes!), wonders what body part will refuse to function properly each morning, “plans” to get active every day… and most of the time fails, and tries to find humor in the aging Baby Boomer experience. On this blog Active Babs will share her thoughts about aging and encourages you to share your active adventures.