My little one and I have this habit of finding a big, flat green space and play. Jumping, rolling, hilarious yoga poses, cartwheels that might not always be perfect, and all sorts of balancing and bending challenges.
And I must admit, it’s not always easy for me. She’s as light and nimble as a feather, effortlessly flowing through every shape. Meanwhile, as I journey towards my 50s, I often feel more like a cheerful hippopotamus trying to keep up.
Do we ever earn the right to slow down and take it easy?
There’s this common idea that as we age, we earn the right to slow down and take it easy, perhaps picturing ourselves finally settling into that rocking chair for a well-deserved rest. But I feel quite the opposite is true. To truly age well, we need to be more active than ever. It’s about cultivating our strength, maintaining our agility and balance, and even sharpening our minds. We need to consciously work on preserving the health of our muscles and bones, the strength of our grip and reach, and the ease with which we can squat and walk.
Thanks to incredible scientific and medical advancements, we’re living longer lives. Now, the crucial conversation needs to shift beyond just lifespan to focus on healthspan – the years we live in good health and vitality. This is what allows us to lead meaningful lives for longer, maintaining our independence, pursuing our passions, and, yes, continuing those wonderfully crazy games with our grandchildren.
If you share this philosophy, I’d love for you to join my Yoga for better posture and functional ageing class. We meet on Mondays at 7 pm at the welcoming St. Leonard’s Church Hall in Streatham.
Let’s move together and stay playful and functional as we age!
Related articles:
Are You Balancing Well: How Yoga Can Help You Remain Steady As You Age
Building Your Bank of Independence: Why Functional Capacity Matters
Photo by Stefan Steinbauer on Unsplash
