Photo credit: From the collection of Irene Michaels
I would like to take this time to thank my readers for being so responsive with all of your comments and suggestions about my blog; I truly appreciate it! Since so many men have asked me over the past few months "why haven't you written about us over the age of 50?" I thought I would take this opportunity to do just that.
Yes, men also age. Perhaps in a different way than women, but a healthy and active regimen is not only essential for men post-50 but can also lead to a number of exciting new adventures during this segment of life. A prime example of living life to the fullest post-50 is a friend of mine that never ceases to amaze me. He is an adventurer and at 60 he is scaling vertical rock faces, white water rafting, riding ATV's through the desert - just to mention a few of the incredible feats he performs on a regular basis at this age. His name is Dr. Brad Grant and he certainly does not let age get in the way of a good time.
Dr. Grant, a.k.a. Dr. Adventure, is a retired family practice and sports medicine physician turned full-time adventurer and he now runs a niche operation that provides one of a kind expeditions to like-minded thrill seekers. Still an elite athlete, Dr. Adventure has trekked the globe in search of the ultimate adrenaline rush and also goes by "The Ageless Athlete" since the 60 year old is showing no signs of slowing down.
Photo credit: From the collection of Dr. Brad Grant
Now, while Brad Grant may be an extreme example of a post-50 lifestyle, he has consistently surpassed all obstacles by embodying the two words I've mentioned in previous articles that similarly make up my post-50 mantra: CONSISTENCY and DEDICATION. While being born with favorable genes will help anyone down the path of aging, a certain can-do attitude definitely helps as well. A few years back, Dr. Grant was sidelined by loss of vision in one eye and the need for a hip replacement. However, these were only minor setbacks to Dr. Adventure as he quickly bounced back and climbed Mt. McKinley shortly thereafter.
While most people reading this will not be climbing massive peaks or rappelling into jagged caverns anytime soon (applause to any who will be though!) I'd like to think that any of us can achieve our own personal greatness post-50. Whether it involves running that extra mile at the park or adding another few moves to our yoga routines, living a healthy and active life at any age does require a mentality very similar to that of Dr. Brad Grant.
Since my posts do typically deal with beauty and topics more geared toward women, I would like to address men directly now. Although I do not want to single out all men or jump to conclusions about how men approach aging, I will admit that many of the men I talk to seem to have a much more relaxed, or less pro-active attitude toward the topic. So many men become set in a fixed routine, particularly later in life, and as such can let a healthy and active lifestyle be pushed to the back of their minds. Again, I would like to emphasize that not everyone needs to or is capable of journeying far and wide to embark on extreme adventures; but Dr. Grant's ideas and practices for a post-50 lifestyle are not only a great alternative to some of the ruts many can get stuck in during our later years, but also inspirational to anyone during any stage of life.
Whether you are striving toward being an "Ageless Athlete" or simply healthy and active post-50, Dr. Brad Grant's message to get up and take your life back no matter your age, physical capability, or current state of health is a perfect way to approach aging.
The bottom line is that we are all unique and individual creatures with many habits, routines, etc., both good and bad. Take the highway of good and see you at the next turn. (Chapter 7 that is!)
Follow Irene on Facebook, Twitter, and IOnTheScene!