"How old ARE you?"
I was asked this question by a new acquaintance shortly after we moved to Santa Rosa a little over a year ago. The fact that I had a (then) 15 year-old son kind of threw him off a little bit. When I told him I was turning 40 in a couple of weeks, he stared at me blankly for a second and said, "Oh."
People are often surprised when they find out that I am 40, now almost 41. Of course, I'd like to think it has something to do with appearance, but I am convinced that isn't entirely the case - some of it good, and some of it not-so-good.
Sure, I've been told, "You don't LOOK 40", or 30, or 20 or 10. I've always looked younger than my age, a disadvantage when you are a kid, and even as a teen, but certainly an advantage when one hits middle age and beyond.
But beyond genetic coding, there are other ways to retain your youth, both physically and mentally. Here are some things that have worked for me:
1. Exercise
Like many, I neglected my body pretty poorly in my early-mid 30s when my metabolism decided to go on vacation, and decided to do something about it. I've been running regularly now for the past 5 years (3 times per week, 5 miles each run), and have never felt better physically. In fact, I am in the best shape of my life - even better than when I played football and soccer as a kid and teenager. My endurance is very high, and I am stronger and have more energy. Plus, I am happier with my appearance, which is a positive, psychologically.
But, exercising has far more benefits than just 'looks'. Other benefits include the obvious - good overall health, as well as the less obvious - good (at least, "better-than-it-would-be-without-exercise") psychological health. Proper exercise releases natural endorphins in the brain, giving one a better sense of well-being. In fact, regular exercise is often prescribed for those with depression. Basically, if you've never exercised regularly as an adult, you don't know what you are missing brain-chemistry-wise.
Working out is NOT entirely about vanity. Sure, it may start off as such, but for those who stick with it and make it a life-style choice, regular exercise is an anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, serotonin-reuptake inhibitor pill all its own.
Here's a good link if you are interested: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/neuronarrative/201009/why-running-is-incredible-medicine-your-brain
2. Be, and Stay Yourself
I'm not talking about arrested development here, though I admittedly suffer to a degree from it. I am talking about NOT pretending to be what you "think" a middle-aged person is. I mean, there is no reason to start practicing for your local shuffle-board tournament when you are 35 years old. Nor is there a "time" when one should ditch heavy metal exclusively for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
