As we grow older
You will soon realise that your body is a different machine from the one that glided through your 20s and 30s. And that’s okay!
What you need to figure out is what your new normal is.
The great thing is, it’s not too late! If you start exercising, you can build your bone mass, can build your lean mass (muscles), lose fat mass (body fat) and as research states, you can have a better quality of life!
What happens to our bodies as we age:
The thirst mechanism dulls so dehydration is more likely.
Our aerobic capacity drops which means our cardiovascular system’s ability to convert oxygen to energy is not as able (from your 30s it’s a 5 – 9% drop every decade!). This is because your heartbeat slows a little each year, meaning oxygen-rich blood is being pumped to working muscles a little less often.
Testosterone and other growth hormones plunge, so building and maintaining muscle is tougher.
Sweating, a key part of body cooling, begins later in our workouts.
Our tastes change (we might start preferring sugary foods) and our sense of hunger might not be the same either.
We lose flexibility and strength – but this can be offset by exercise!
Exercise is a known stress reliever and mood booster. Research found that people who exercise are better able to deal with the ups and downs of ageing and life!
And as for nutrition, the same recommendations as in menopause apply – stick to a heart healthy diet (as we become more susceptible to illness in older age), eat plenty of lean protein and calcium and get your vitamin D.