<center>![fit.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmfV6BsCYA55Aamc7hyFmPJx2pF5U5uovcaazYfbUnV9Th/fit.jpg)</center>
My son has a very full schedule as of late so I decided last weekend that I would mow the lawn and at least take that off his plate. Now I hate mowing but I figured what the heck, it won't kill me. It nearly killed me! To be more accurate I felt like I was dying after only one quarter of an average sized yard I was week in the legs and light in the head. I had to go into the house and relax for a minute. I laid down and I was gone for two hours. Must have passed right out. It bothered me to the point that when I got up I immediately searched Google to find out why that happened and how to avoid it in the future. Turns out it was a common malady: I'm getting older.<br>
<center>**THE BREAKDOWN**</center>
We all know that we start to slow down as we get older. Did you realize that it can start to happen in your low to mid thirties? Our bodies are nothing more than complex machines. Stress, insufficient maintenance (i.e. exercise), and the general wear and tear of living cause changes to our physiological condition. Bones start to lose density, our metabolism slows, muscle mass and function begin to diminish (sarcopenia), and less collagen and elastin are being produced for the skin. These things happen gradually so our concern tends to be minimal at first. Then one day we climb out of bed with the 'usual' grunts and pains, go to the bathroom, look in the mirror and, to our horror, notice that there is an old person standing in our space!!<br>
<center>**THERE IS HELP SO THERE IS HOPE**</center>
There are steps that we can take to slow the signs and effects of aging. Maintenance is the key, and the older you get the more priority you should give to it. Some useful tips:<br>
<center>![bigstock-Trainer-And-Customers-Doing-St-72105898-300x200.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmf1uwY4ym7jHtuGLx9z9gxh6By7vMnd5k67Mb9MwGzG4P/bigstock-Trainer-And-Customers-Doing-St-72105898-300x200.jpg)</center>
<center>EXCERCISE REGULARLY
<I>Normal everyday activity such as working and shopping
are not enough. Exercise helps to keep blood flowing. 
This can help to maintain both your physical and mental
health. All of your muscles and joints need proper
maintenance or you might find yourself trying to mow
 a lawn one day and feeling like DEATH is standing by,
 wringing his hands at your effort.</I></center><br>

<center>![pyr.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmX62V7SNeukcNzonZ7sKnLKAAYMJFWAeZYjjDSKB51Xpi/pyr.jpg)</center>
<center>EAT HEALTHY
<I>As our metabolism slows we need less calories to
sustain a healthy weight. Also our bodies need more of
certain nutrients to promote healthy living. Be aware 
of both amount and benefit of the 'fuels' you are choosing.</I></center><br>
<center>![stress.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTZAKzsCcRazCue93quQwdDa1MufdqfzgTQpHKBfEMkYT/stress.jpg)</center>
<center>REDUCE STRESSORS
<I>It is a fast moving world. Cut stress from your life
 wherever possible. At the very least take time for
yourself. Meditate. Reflect. Set aside the world for a
moment and focus on the MOST important thing in
your life - your well being.</I></center><br>
<center>![bad.jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmZT8qZjfzMesPwKMmwDCJckxNj3mWFBuPCHMtg3zMnC4z/bad.jpg)</center>
<center>GIVE UP YOUR HARMFUL HABITS
<I>Smoking is a HUGE no-no! Do whatever it takes
to give it up. If you spend hours sitting and watching
television or surfing the web, try doing it from an
active stance like walking in place or from a
treadmill. Cut back your alcohol consumption.
Bad habits = bad health. Unless your bad habit is sex.
Sex promotes good health. Do that in lieu of your
other bad habits. You'll thank yourself later and I 
applaud you now. Great job, tiger!</I></center> <br>
Anything you can do to promote your longevity is a positive thing. I have begun a yoga and low impact aerobic regimen to help maintain myself. I want to be here for a long time to come. As we walk through this life we gain wisdom and knowledge. I have passed these things to my children and would like to be here long enough to pass it on to my grandchildren and, fate permitting, great grandchildren. <br>
<center><I>Thank You for reading this post. It is my sincerest hope
that it has been informative and helpful to your future well being.</I></center>





IMAGES: <a href="http://www.lifeover50.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/over-50s-keep-fit.jpg">1</a>,<a href="http://vivomaissaudavel.com.br/static/media/uploads/dicas-de-beleza-para-homens.jpg">2</a>,<a href="http://st.depositphotos.com/1010613/4526/i/950/depositphotos_45260507-stock-photo-trainer-and-customers-doing-stretching.jpg">3</a>,<a href="http://img.aws.livestrongcdn.com/ls-article-image-673/cpi.studiod.com/www_livestrong_com/photos.demandstudios.com/getty/article/176/214/147057373_XS.jpg">4</a>,<a href="http://www.mentalhealth.org/img/article-no-stress480.jpg">5</a>,<a href="http://www.careerbuilder.ca/blog/wp-content/uploads/Bad-work-habits.jpg">6</a>