This post is dedicated to the older generation. Unfortunately, many people are under the misconception that exercise is only for young people, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Exercise pays no regard to age, gender, ethnicity, or lifestyle—everyone needs to be doing something. The form and fashion of exercise may very, however, dependent on several factors like health, opportunity, safety, and finances.

First of all, while you can’t control growing older, you can control how you accept it. Have you ever heard the phrase “mind over matter”? Well, it’s fitting when discussing age—if you don’t mind, it doesn’t really matter! In other words, you don’t have to accept that you can no longer do the things you once did. You may just not be able to do them to the same degree. A former Padres player lives near me and plays AAA ball now since retirement, but he refuses to play in his age group and plays against guys half his age. That’s a perfect example (and admirable) of exactly what I’m talking about.

You don’t have to give up your passions, you may just have to adjust them a little bit. I know that at 41 I’m not as young as I once was, but I still feel like I’m 18 and hopefully always will. I won’t stop doing the things that I want to do just because I’m growing older. I train in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and grapple against mostly men that range in age from 18-30ish, and I plan to always compete in martial arts. It keeps me young!

Since I only have one life to live, I plan on filling it with the things that make me happy. I think that’s the secret to longevity. And in order to be happy and at my best, I need to maintain my health, as you do. That means that you should exercise on a regular basis. Even if you’ve never done it before, it’s never too late to start. It can be as simple as walking in the mornings or the evenings around your neighborhood. The point I’m trying to convey is that everyone should be doing something, to some degree, on a regular basis.

For those of you looking for an organized form of exercise, there are some great community programs available. Grossmont Adult School offer a variety of fitness classes for older adults like aerobics, aquatics, general exercise, yoga, tai chi, and walking classes, to mention a few. Most communities offer classes, it’s just a matter of looking into them. If you have friends to play against or you choose to join a club, other options are available like golf, tennis and racquetball. Then there are the nature sports like hiking, backpacking, surfing, swimming, biking, and even in-line skating. It’s very invigorating to spend time outdoors absorbing the beauty around you. Or maybe you’re the type that is inspired by charity and fund raising walking or riding events. One of my own goals this year is to participate in charity events often and get my friends and clients to participate with me. They help fund so many important causes like finding cures debilitating and deadly diseases.

So don’t let life pass you by, get out there and live it! And even if this is something you’ve only just thought about, it’s not to late to do it! You are only as old as you feel and your approach to aging makes all the difference in the world. We live in such a wonderful area that it would be a shame not to take advantage of all of the opportunities and beauty that surrounds us.

Melissa Allen, BS, CPT, CES is a certified personal trainer, corrective exercise specialist and Medifast health coach, is the owner of the Optimum Condition Corrective Exercise & Performance Center, located in El Cajon, in the East County of San Diego. We specialize in customized fitness training and corrective exercise for both recreational athletes and post-rehab clients, as well as guaranteed weight loss programs or your money back. You can schedule a free consultation to help you get started. Please visit her website at OptimumCondition.org.