It was around this time last year when I wrote about life in my forties. Within that entry, I shared a few tips that have helped me continue to perform as well in my forties as I did in my twenties and thirties. I honestly don’t feel any different today than I did ten or twenty years ago. And I don’t say that to suggest that I’m superhuman. I’m also not trying to sell you an anti-aging secret. I’m simply highlighting the success that I’ve had by staying active. Over the past 20+ years, I’ve probably exercised on 99 percent of those days. That is my secret. Keep moving intelligently so you aren’t forced to start over.
40+ and Still Going Strong
When you do something consistently, there’s little time to notice any differences from one day to the next. For example, I worked out last night and I worked out this morning. I felt the same. And I’m sure the same will be true about tomorrow and the next day. I keep moving so there’s never time (or a need) to notice any decline.
I’m not just here to talk about it though. Below is a short clip of me in my forties over the past few years. Some of the clips are a few years old, other a few days. What hasn’t changed is that I still feel the same.
64 Years Young
When you continue to move, it doesn’t need to expire in your forties. Below is a classic example that I’ve shared before. Take a look at this 64-year-old judo master who’s more capable than most adults a fraction of his age.
But Wait…
Whenever I shared age related footage, there’s always someone in the crowd who is dying to find someone who will share in their misery. It usually sounds like this…
“I remember those days, but wait until you are (insert older age here).”
Apologies if you are one of those people itching to make a similar comment. I hate to disappoint you, but I’m not waiting for anything. I’m too busy enjoying the moment. I also don’t need Captain Obvious to tell me that it won’t last forever.
Yes, we will all die. That doesn’t mean we should sit around and wait for it. Instead, let’s all keep moving by challenging ourselves physically and mentally each day. Because when you do that, you’re too busy growing and improving to worry about whether you’ve aged or not.
Get Busy Living
If my birth date wasn’t listed on my driver’s license, I wouldn’t know how old I am. And I live with that mentality. I have better things to do than worry about age. I’m too busy living to ever take notice. The only reason I occasionally write about age here is in hopes that it might inspire someone who’s reading.
I’ve always struggled to understand people who constantly remind everyone that they’re getting old. Yes, we all age with each second that passes, but to harp on it only speeds the process. Your age is irrelevant to enjoying the moment.
Go find a new hobby, and counting how many seconds you have left in your life doesn’t count.
Final Thoughts
Like it or not, but we are all (at least partially) a product of what we do and think. If you sit around griping about getting old all the time, there’s a good chance that you are going to feel older than you are. So, if you’ve been guilty of that before, my advice to you is simple. Snap out of it. Life is too short for such a dismal existence.
Challenge yourself to keep growing and improving. Read new books. Exercise daily. Cook and eat wholesome foods. Make water your primary beverage. Don’t be afraid to say no. Cut off toxic and negative people. Limit stress and always be grateful that you’ve been granted another day to live. Never waste it because once the day is gone, you’ll never get it back.
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“Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” – Satchel Paige
Dayuuuuum Ross way to hit us with some bomb ass knowledge for the New Year. I felt like I was getting older when I hit 32 (2 years ago) I realized it was all a ton of stress just sapping my soul. Thanks for the wake up call in 2020, now let’s get it!!
Hi Ross, what you say is true, keep moving,keep interested and keep learning, the time will take care of itself.Going on 70 and still as excited to train as ever,in fact now i am semi retired it is even better,i get to do more.I have friends in their 80s still training and enjoying the benefits.Keep the good words coming.
Regards,Peter.
Ross I was inspired by you over 10 years ago working 90 hours a week and still trying to workout you keep me going with your motivation and sharing many of your archives with older people in great shape I feel you have inspired alot of people and dont know it .I am now retired for 3 years age is 66 years old every morning I wake up early looking to do pushups and pullups and add in alot of movement each day I try to be a better version of myself than the day before .It doesnot matter if I do 1 pushup or a 100 pushups it is still about the journey.Just wanted to say THANKS to you and and those old archives showing people my age what could be ahead of us.During these trying times while at home We all can work on a better self and keep our sanity THANKS AGAIN
No problem at all Stephen. Keep up the hard work and stay safe out there!
Your an inspiration Ross. I agree with everything you shared. Any advice for people starting later in life? Before age related degeneration gets to bad to workout. Thanks again for all your great unbiased and FREE content!
@Jeffery – The key is to ease yourself into action (i.e. make movement part of your daily routine). This could mean simple things like taking regular walks, but also making (not “finding”) dedicated time for exercise. For example, include resistance training a few days per week. This could be bodyweight exercise, free weights, bands, etc. The specifics matter less than the repeated/consistent effort.
I needed this. Thank you Ross. I unfortunately am one of the people who complain about getting old and I haven’t exercised in years. I’m 45. I’m going to start now. Thank you my friend.
That’s so true is it. What would your advice be on starting working out in your 30’s. I’ve never gotten into the habit of it but really want to start. I don’t mind making things homemade but get confused with all the information out there. Do you have any advice for people. Also working on mindset throughout the workout.