It's Just Part of Getting Older.
I don't feel old, but lately, I've noticed something: my friends are getting older, and I'm right there with them. We're only in our early thirties, but I keep hearing the same complaints:
"My joints ache all the time now."
"I'm always tired."
"I swear my balance isn't what it used to be."
And inevitably, these conversations end with a resigned shrug and the same refrain: "It's just part of getting older."
This is usually where I have to either bite my tongue or speak up. While it's true that we'll see some decrease in strength, mobility, balance, and energy as we age, the harsh reality is that most of this decline isn't due to aging at all. It's because as we get older, we stop moving. We quit doing the activities that help us maintain the abilities we associate with youth.
Think about it. When was the last time you:
Climbed a tree?
Played a sport just for fun?
Spent an entire day on your feet, exploring a new place?
For many of us, these activities have become distant memories. We've traded them for desk jobs, Netflix binges, and scrolling through social media. Our bodies are adapting to what we're asking of them – which, frankly, isn't much.
But here's the good news: it doesn't have to be this way. Your thirties (or forties, or beyond) don't have to mean a steady decline into creaky joints and constant fatigue. The "use it or lose it" principle isn't just a catchy phrase – it's a biological fact.
What can we do about it?
Move more, sit less. It's that simple. Find ways to incorporate movement into your day, even if it's just taking the stairs or doing some stretches while watching TV.
Challenge your balance. Try standing on one foot while brushing your teeth. It might feel silly, but these small activities add up and can make a big difference over time..
Lift something heavy. If you quit lifting heavy things you lose your ability to lift heavy things. Strength training is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and bone density as we age, two things directly related to longevity and independence.
Try new physical activities. Sign up for a dance class, find a walking group or join a recreational sports league.
Prioritize sleep and nutrition. These form the foundation of your energy levels and your ability to recover.
Remember, feeling old isn't inevitable – it's optional. Yes, our bodies change as we age, but much of how we feel can be positively influenced by activity. In order to move better, balance better, have more energy we have to put in the work, we have to do the things that we want to keep doing.