"Boomeritis"

How many times have you heard: "For healthy aging you must exercise, exercise, exercise"?

Too many times we're sure. But, the fact of the matter is… it's true!

Even the doctors in The New York Times article "To Avoid 'Boomeritis,' Exercise, Exercise, Exercise" are telling their patients and others that exercise is the best solution to slow down the natural deterioration of muscle, bone strength and agility that comes with aging. One orthopedic surgeon said "Baby boomers are falling apart — developing tendinitis, bursitis, arthritis and 'fix-me-itis,' the idea that modern medicine can fix anything. It's much better to prevent things than to have to try to fix them."

This is very true. We are in a society that looks at surgery perhaps a bit too comfortably. If you don't like the shape of your nose, have surgery and fix it. If you don't like how your toe looks, have surgery and change it. If you want to lose weight, have liposuction. Of course, we are not referring to those who need surgery to treat a disease or treat pain. Even cosmetic surgery is fine--- if done in moderation (for example, don't become addicted like Jenny Lee who is 30 Years old and has already had 32 surgical procedures). However, some people see surgery as a first recourse--- not the last. Some people have liposuction because it's a "quick and easy" way to lose weight (but then continue with their old eating habits). This should not be.

The article gives some very good suggestions for exercises. For example, one doctor "cautioned against 'cookbook recipes' for exercise… 'The key to a good workout is customization,' based on a professional assessment of flexibility, cardiovascular endurance, strength and balance."