Jemma's Tales

Aging With Style-Health

July 07, 2015
I am an advocate of women, I always have been and it isn't just because I am one.

It is because I believe in the inner and physical power of a woman.

I believe in empowering ourselves to be the best we can be.

That is not to say that we have to be super stars...(well only if we want to.)

It simply means lets give this journey all we've got with a clear, focused, intentional mindset.

In all areas of our lives, not just the pretty stuff, but the nitty gritty stuff too.




I have had several major health issues and a couple of times they nearly got me.

So, throughout the years I have done extensive research, and reading on diet and exercise and I will

tell you this.

We must be proactive in both of those areas.

I stumbled upon this book years ago and whenever I follow the premise of Younger Next Year,

I always feel stronger, sharper mentally, more optomistic,energized and eager for each day to begin.



This book is a must read for all women, because at one point, God willing, we are going to get

old, oldish, older, oldest....you catch my drift.

Younger Next Year is a combination of humor, and scientific truths that clearly and concisely point

out that it is possible to turn back our biological clocks.

I don't mean having babies at sixty!  I mean having a strong body at sixty!

This is a book of hope, encouragement and empowerment-it has the power to change our lives.

I have included the Amazon link Here.



A few take a ways from me to you.


1.  We have to move and we must do it six times a week.

This is not an option my friends, start out slow and grow your strength and endurance.

This means we have to push ourselves a little harder each day because the goal here is to live well as

long as we can.

I truly know what it feels like not to want to, or even worse to feel as though we are not able to.

We aren't exercising to try to recapture our youth we are moving in order to stay strong and

vital as long as we can.

We want to burn out not rust out.


2.  Make it fun, seriously make it fun! 

We cannot be expected to exercise six days a week without some fun being part of it.

Remember when you were a kid and just running outside was fun, climbing trees, skipping rocks.

We were always in constant motion just excited about all the possibilities.

We still can be if we try.

Look for the extraordinary in those ordinary moments.

Do you see these two cute cottontails-seeing these cuties was actually a motivator for me, along

with listening to the theme of Rocky on my iPod....smiles....



3. Explore All the Possibilities.

I find that by focusing my thoughts on the strength that I am gaining is a great reward not to quit.

There are endless opportunities/possibilities for discovering exercise that is interesting.

Not only does your body benefit, but so does your mind, and we must keep our minds strong too.

Hiking, swimming, canoeing, gardening, yoga, skiing, the list is endless-explore and venture

out to try something new, you might just be surprised what you find.



4.  Dress The Part - Listen To Music

Love my motivational music, I am still using my iPod shuffle and it keeps me humming along.

Those hills really don't seem as steep if I have just the right music on.

I can't say enough about being comfortable, good shoes are a must for healthy feet.

Quickest way to end the beginning of a work out regime is with blisters or sore toenails.

Dressing the part is a great way to boost your mindset-put those workout clothes on

right after breakfast.

I shop at Academy for most of my work out gear and I actually like their BCG Brand.

It is moderately priced, so after a Summer of sweating I won't feel bad if they need to be tossed.





5. Modern Life Is Not Our Friend.

That is right- it is not.

Modern life has encouraged us to sit more and when we sit more we not only gain weight,

we get stiff joints, poor posture, we can even become wobbly and have the potential to fall.

We are designed to move, we feel better when we do, aging is natural- decaying is not.

Life is to be lived, embraced, held on to and honestly who on earth wants to become

an old stodgy woman anyway-thats no fun, especially for ourselves.



"Believe that you will succeed, and you will."
~Dale Carnegie

You might also enjoy other topics in this series~

Aging With Style

Aging With Style-Detours




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Comments

  1. Hello Jemma, what a great post. You are an inspiration! I agree about not wanting to rust out! Since retiring I have had to add some more walking into my daily routines. Thanks for sharing the book. Have a happy day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eileen,
      We cannot rust out, can we. We will age, grow old, but we have the power on how we go about doing it all. I am so glad that your are walking and taking great photos I might add too!
      Please check this book out, it is well worth reading.

      Delete
  2. Love this post!! I realize that going part time is going to give me more time at home not only to do what I want to do but to sit and do those things which could be a problem for me. So I am more determined than ever to get on my exercise bike at least 5 times a week. It is important for my knee surgery that i do this and it is important for me to keep weight off and not to gain any in preparation for my knee surgery. In 2 years, once I have the surgery done, I plan to start to walk. I used to walk 5 miles each morning after work until my knee started to go bad. Thanks for sharing and thanks for visiting!!

    Hugs,
    Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie,
      I followed you on your weight loss journey and now on your next adventure of working part time.
      I know what a blessing this is in your life to be able to modify your work schedule. You are such a motivated woman and inspire me with your energy and mindset. If you have a chance pick up this book too-it is written so well and gives such encouragement on aging.

      Delete
  3. I really enjoyed this and copied the points. I know the moving is true. My mom was in a car accident about a year before she died - she was in pain and refused to move. I think that is what happened to her. Good post.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sandie,
      I am sorry that your Mother suffered as she did.
      This happens all to frequently to many people as they age. Hopefully we will all gain an awareness of the dangers of not moving - I hope you can pick up a copy of this book too. It explains the science of our bodies through humor and examples-

      Delete
  4. My dear Jemma, what a wonderful post. I often take hikes with my husband, and I want to start walking regularly with my son. I only wish I had you walking right next to me, so we can share stories. My mom didn't exercise a lot, but she was moving around all day with activities, projects, etc. And my father DID walk a lot. Thank you for inspiring to get out there and just explore, and Yes, I remember climbing trees and skipping and running around until my mom called me in for dinner haha.

    Have a happy Wednesday, my dear. Nel will be 34 tomorrow, can you believe that?

    love, ~Sheri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sheri,
      Walking with a friend is a fabulous way to keep motivated and the fact that your friend is your husband is a double bonus. Do you think that just maybe one day we could walk together...
      My Mother was ahead of her time in many ways, and one of them was exercising, I can remember her working out with Jack LaLanne!
      I am wishing Nel a Happy Birthday, but I will stop by tomorrow to make it official!
      Love,
      jemma

      Delete
  5. I will put that book on my wish list. I am pro active....that's for sure! I think we need to wear clothes that make us feel good, eat natural foods, and make our exercise fun. I walk at the park or hike with my hubby in the State Parks. We even walked at the mall some this summer. Get out there and mix it up and HAVE FUN!!! Learn something new, don't get in a rut. I better read this book for more ideas! Great post my friend. Hugs, Diane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diane,
      You are proactive and it shows, in your posts, your mind, your shape and your outlook on life.
      We are such a composite of so many things.
      Love your attitude!
      Hugs,
      Jemma

      Delete
  6. Hi Jemma. SO FUNNY that my nurse practitioner recommended that book to me and I bought it about a year ago. Her own mother has it, too. Exercise is imperative. I keep SAYNG I'm going to turn on the treadmill but have not. It's very difficult to find motivation but I'm hoping to take action. Thanks for the post. Susan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan,
      Great to know this book is highly recommended by the medical industry.
      Now get those shoes and get going!

      Delete
  7. This is great Jemma! .. and I agree with everything. We do need to be pro-active and keep MOVING. I see so many women throwing in the towel at a certain age. It doesn't need to be so extreme. Moderation is everything :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leslie,
      You are such a great advocate for staying healthy-thank your for your visit!

      Delete
  8. Dear Jemma,
    thanks for your thoughts and advice. You are so right!
    For me movement is also very important.
    I and my husband go much wheel. This makes us a lot of fun.
    Have a nice day. Much love ... Dorothea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dorothea,
      I see the gorgeous photos of your beautiful gardens and your bike rides too, I know you are a motivated and engaged Lady!

      Delete
  9. You are spot on Jemma, and I love your passion for helping women, because that's exactly what you're doing whether you know it or not (but I hope you do!).

    I guess I don't have to tell you I'm fairly active (sometimes much to your chagrin lol). I can honestly say there is nothing I did at 20 that I can't do now at 61. It may take my body a little longer to 'warm up', but once I'm in the zone there's no stoppin' me baby!! ;)

    xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are active and yes, sometimes to my chagrin-you lift very heavy things,Doreen. But I suppose at the end of the day, it is so good that you are so active! Love your outlook too!

      Delete
  10. I totally agree with you on this, Jemma. I fit in exercise most every day...I take a mile walk around the neighborhood, make sure I move a lot by doing housework and working out in the yard, and I also do a yoga routine every day, too. Sometimes I put on some dance music and dance in the kitchen. ;-) Like you said, it has to be fun for you or you're not going to do it. I'm also a huge advocate of healthy eating. I eat "clean", meaning no processed foods; no fast food; no food dyes, additives, MSG, excess sodium or sugar; no hydrogenated oils or high fructose corn syrup; no white flour or sugar (though once in a blue moon I'll let myself have a treat)...so I eat lean protein, legumes, nuts, seeds, lots of veggies, fruit, limited dairy, good fats (coconut and olive oils; avocadoes) - and all organic whenever possible. I am at my leanest and lowest weight ever since having kids 27 years ago and have recently been able to cut my high blood pressure med (the only RX I'm on) in half. I'm working on eliminating it all together! (Unfortunately, I have Type A personality and my dad also had high blood pressure, so some of that is hereditary.) My mom, who is now 75 years old, follows the same health principles as me, and has no health problems, isn't on any medications...she still works PT, is a power seller on eBay, travels, is always out and about with family and friends, etc. You'd never know she's 75 - she has so much energy! Anyway...here's to our health! :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Melanie,
      Just love reading this and I have several times because you have chosen a way to live. It is a clear and deliberate mindset to be healthy in mind, body and spirit. Thank you for sharing this with us, you are an inspiration .

      Delete
  11. -sigh-sigh-sigh- Oh yes!!!! We must move!!!!

    I know it. You know it. Everyone knows it. So how come I'm not moving??????

    Thank you for this encouraging post. Thank you much....

    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
  12. Ohhh, but.... My new walking shoes should be coming, any day now!!!!!!!!!!!! ,-)

    Walking shoes! Harrrrumph.... All such, used to be called 'sneakers' back in the day.

    ,-)

    Tessa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I love sneakers they sound so much better than walking shoes!
      Thanks for visiting today!

      Delete
  13. My darling friend! How did I miss this post! I was out all day yesterday with a great blogging friend who lives here in town...we had such a lovely visit!

    I SO AGREE HERE! Fortunately, I've been MOVING about for many years now, and you are so right; music, laughter, exercise, good eating.....it keeps us at our best. OH how I missed talking to you on email...time for a visit.

    No wonder you are off to your walks in the morning.....we are too! Speaking of which, I think my husband is just about ready now to go for our walk!

    Be well, talk in email. LOVE! Anita

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh yes, lets talk, walk and email! It is all about friendships, acclivity, joy, embracing the one and only life we get. So let us do it in style and with a joyful and thankful heart!

      Delete
  14. Such a great post Jemma....motivating women to be the best they can. Thinking positive is a big part.
    Walking is such an easy thing to do....Take in the fresh air and nature around us. Thank you again for you well wishes and thoughtful and caring words. xoxo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      I know you are a woman who does the talk and the walk-thank you for sharing in today.

      Delete
  15. Hi Dear Jemma, Love this post and totally agree with all you have mentioned here. Eating right and always moving, is the key. Keeping a positive outlook and our brain working is also helpful for good mental health as well. They work hand in hand. Music keeps me uplifted too and having great friendships is also so important. Thank you for sharing this important topic for us girls. We are all going to age, it's not something we can avoid. So trying to work on being our best, is for our best being!!!! LOL
    Looking towards God's direction and a good friendship prayer life with HIM, helps me greatly.
    Have a wonderful weekend my friend. Be Blessed, cm

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello Dear Celeste,
      Thank you for sharing your thoughts and uplifting kind, caring words and giving praise to God for He is the one behind everything we do.

      Delete
  16. Hi Jemma,
    This is a wonderful post and your words are inspiring! For me, so timely as I just started to take more seriously the few pounds that have snuck up on me! We tend to get exercise regularly because we walk our dog but I am picking up the pace and going trying to extend the mileage! I am also revising my eating habits a bit, I have slacked where I shouldn't have....I too have some health issues that make exercising challenging at times but the more I move the better I feel. "Younger Next Year" is on my list of books to read....thanks so much for your wise words....now I need to get off this computer and get MOVING!
    xoxo
    Linda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dear Linda,
      We all have put on a few pounds! It is so easy to do these days and then before we know a few goes to many. but we will move because it is good for us and we will not rust out!
      xoxo
      Jemma

      Delete
  17. Thank you so much this could not have come at a better time for me. Its like you read my mind. I just had to have both ovaries removed and now I am in instant menopause. Feeling a bit bewildered and trying to do the right thing for my body, I appreciate you sharing this I will definitely check that book out. I could really use it right now. xo Karolyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karolyn,
      I had a complete hysterectomy at 40- because of previous cancer and I went into instant menopause just like you.
      It was quite an overwhelming experience.
      Going to send you an email, with some things that helped me.
      xo
      Jemma

      Delete
  18. Dear Jemma,

    You are truly an inspiration for women who want to be more active, as well as for those who already are, since you sincerely do practise what you preach, with regards to the things that we women of a certain age must do, both physically and psychologically, to age gracefully, empowered with knowledge, strength, and wit!

    I've been walking at least three to four times a week, for several years now and for the last month, was accompanying my brother-in-law, (who was ordered by his doctor to lose 20 pounds for his hernia surgery tomorrow). He did it, and I admire him for being so disciplined with his very strict diet, too. But, since having moved Liberty into her condo, I'm ashamed to admit that my treasured walks have taken a back seat to running around frantically in the apartment, trying to get everything organized. I hope to get on track very soon, as I so miss the 'travel' angle of walking outdoors.

    Thanks for the intro to this book; I will most definitely look out for it, first chance I get!

    Wishing you a wonderful week!

    xoxo
    Poppy

    ReplyDelete
  19. Jemma, great post! Luckily I have been blessed with good health, but I know that it can change in an instant. I try to stay active, always on the go; but I need to do more physical exercise and loose some weight. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

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  20. This is a great post!! I've always believed the same things you do but sometimes our health does throw us for a loop. I've experienced that in the last year and my motivation definitely comes and goes these days. Thanks for this motivational and simply put post. :)

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  21. Fantastic post - I agree six days a week - exercise is a must and your tips are spot on. Last weekend a person told me they didn't like to do anything. I was pretty speechless because I couldn't imagine feeling that limited and empty. So I paused, chose my words carefully and said - " Sometimes when we do more we begin to feel better and see things in a new light." I was able to capture a smile and who knows maybe planted a seed too.

    Carole @ Garden Up Green

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  22. I must have missed this post!! I'm going to get this book and read it. I agree with every single word you said. I just don't always follow the ideas. :)

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  23. I must have missed this post!! I'm going to get this book and read it. I agree with every single word you said. I just don't always follow the ideas. :)

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  24. Wonderful educational information written in a lighthearted way! I love your look on life Jemma! ;)
    Rebeca

    ReplyDelete

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