We recently went glamping (glamorous camping). It was our way of enjoying the cool fall weather and to have a break from our work. One of the things that we did was to exercise the limbs and hike the trail. We did a similar activity the prior year and we thought that it will be a good idea to try it again. We did a four mile trail hike this time. I was hesitant but also eager to participate in this activity. I didn’t do so well the last time and I am still the same individual in middle age.

The hike went well for everybody else except me. I tried, as steadily as I could, to pace myself. Unfortunately, my pacing wasn’t good enough and I ended up out of breath. The screening test that I did this year showed me as a healthy individual. I can only conclude that I’m not in the best shape for a middle aged individual.

Forty to sixty years old is considered as middle age. Depending upon one’s perspective, it can be a delightful or dreadful transition considering that youth has passed and the transition to old age has started. I think my transition is starting to become dreadful.

The sad thing about middle age is that it creeps on us. We start feeling the creaky joints, the aching bones and muscles, and the constant feeling of fatigue. A visit to a Primary Care Provider (PCP) only reinforces the suspicion that something ominous is going on. The discussion of elevated blood pressure, obesity, and elevated cholesterol level become the main topics.

The use of medication is common but lifestyle modification is the initial step in alleviating most middle age ailments. It includes diet management, exercise, and weight loss/maintenance. The three modifications complement each other in achieving a healthy lifestyle.

Diet management includes reduced portion sizes and food low in fat, salt, and sugar. My diet management was successful for a short period of time until I allowed it to fail. I gave in to the craving and did not follow my diet management. The result was the erratic fluctuation of my weight. I knew that I needed to follow my diet management more rigorously and I knew that I needed to include exercise to make it more effective.

There are many forms of exercise and the intensity of the exercise depends on the fitness of the individual. The form of exercise also depends on the goal for performing the exercise. Walking will be the most logical choice for me. It is an aerobic exercise, gentle on the joints, and strengthens the limbs for more balance and dexterity.

The use of medication, to control most middle age ailments, was not planned by most people. Nobody looks forward to taking medication in middle age but it is a fact that it does help. Most are not happy and want to stop or reduce the amount of medication needed to control middle age ailments (obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol level). Exercise, as part of changes in lifestyle, will definitely help with this dilemma and improve quality of life.

Well, good luck to us in middle age. May our lifestyle change help us stay fit until we reach old age and continue to enjoy a healthy, active life.