The average duration of human life in the UK is just about 83 years for women and 79 years for men.
Conservative experts believe that man is really build to last about 100 years; and that medical advances and a more healthy living style could bring this about three or four generations.
However, looking at the state of the younger people in the UK today – I very much doubt it.
Therefore, according to statistics, I have approx 9 years left to live, today being my 70th birthday.
I addition, one of the questions you ask yourself is… What good is it to add years to life if we do not also add life to our years?
In fact, unless people learn to enjoy life and to grow old gracefully, the extra years may be an additional burden.
From 18 to 30 years is roughly the period of highest physical and mental strength. The experiences we accumulate from the day we are born help us to conserve and to use our physical and mental abilities more wisely, so that for some time after 30 years we are able to perform increasingly well in spite of slowly slipping vigour.
Aging is generally accompanied by a loss in physical and mental flexibility. This is noticed in a tendency to become stiff in the joints; in slower comeback after a strenuous trip, excessive “night life,” or hard work; in slower healing of wounds, sore muscles, and sprains; in slower recovery of pep after an illness; and in greater difficulty to adjust to new people, new places, and new ideas.
Men, especially, will notice loss of muscular strength. There will be increased unsteadiness, delicate muscle movements will be clumsier, and the stride in waking will become shorter. The conclusion now is that the performance and ability of the elderly has long been underestimated and can be greatly improved by a proper diet, sleep and exercise along with rest and relaxation.
Now that I have depressed myself… what should I do about it…!
Keep Cycling…!
Cycling is one of the best exercises for aging bodies.
It helps you work your cardiovascular system and keep your heart healthy.
And because cycling is a low-impact sport, it reduces strain on the joints.
Many studies show that biking can actually slow down the aging process in a variety of ways.
Elderly people often tend to lose their joy and will to live and chronic worriers may mope around and withdraw. Medical authorities now say that laughter is one of the best medicines for the elderly.
So, as a cyclist, you can surround yourself with loads of like-minded people, with pleasant and interesting people and they will provide the barrier to an ‘old-age’ mind-set.
Just act your age (Act at least 50 years younger…!) and don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself even when no else is around
Now that we all know the role that physical activity plays in our lives, remember to do something physical every day. The joints must be used or quite simply they will tighten with age creating that stooped worn out appearance we so often associate with getting old.
Keep yourself flexible and fit on an exercise program consistent with your ability.