I’m 74 years old, but I feel 40 because of this once-a-week expense

“Looks good!” I said to myself.

A year ago, I started working out with a personal trainer and the results were obvious. Her figure reflected in the mirror was toned, and her waist was narrow.

You might think that posing for the camera at the gym is pretty standard behavior these days.

But I’m not a Gen Z influencer. Actually, I’m in my 70s and was born in the era of typewriters, not smartphones.

I celebrated my 74th birthday this year, but I still feel like I’m 40 years old.

In fact, I’m in the best shape of my life. And I’m here to tell you that it’s never too late to make a change.

If I can do it in my early 70s, so can you.

I didn’t like the way I looked, hiding my figure under a baggy Laura Ashley dress. I hated eating in public and was afraid of being judged.

In my 40s, I fell into the trap of trying to do it all. I was juggling raising my daughter Laura, now 43, with a career as a clinical leader in the NHS, and I was feeling stressed and drained.

By the time I turned 50, I had reached my breaking point. I wasn’t very good at asking for help, so I cried a lot while listening to classical music in the car.

It was a good friend who finally convinced me to see my primary care physician. One day, over a big glass of wine in a pub after work, we felt the need to share how we were feeling.

She was such an understanding person that I was able to stop judging myself and have the confidence to ask for help.

We went swimming and walked a lot. After six weeks, she thought she was feeling a little better, so she went back to work, but it wasn’t until two years later that she ended up quitting again. The situation remained the same, and the dark feelings returned.

That was my lightbulb moment. I have submitted a notification.

I did a lot of soul searching. Burnout led me down a completely different path.

Since then, my way of thinking about health has changed. Many women think turning 50 is the end, but for me it felt like a new beginning.

For the next few years, I went to the gym almost twice a week. There were times when I didn’t want to go, but I always felt better after each session.

I became even more motivated in 2011 when I became a grandma and Laura had a sweet grandson, Jacob. They live in the United States and knew they needed to get in shape to survive long-haul flights. Jet lag isn’t fun if you don’t take care of yourself.

In 2011, I wrote and self-published a book called Journey to Chocolate about my quest for a more balanced and fulfilling life. People live their lives on autopilot. I wanted to reach out to them and give them a shake.

My husband Ian completely agreed. He started eating the same way, he started feeling better, and I noticed that I started meeting younger women and making friends. Someone who shared my zest for life.

In the spring of 2020, when the coronavirus pandemic hit and the world went into lockdown, I got tired of hearing people over 50 described as “vulnerable.” I recently celebrated my 70th birthday and I didn’t feel anything. In fact, after turning 50, I felt like I had lived the best years of my life.

We have been married for 45 years and still get along great.

I run a Facebook group called “The Unlikely Guru.” To bring together like-minded people who want to enjoy life even as they get older.

I call myself an “unlikely” guru because if you told me at age 40 that I would be a fitness influencer in my 70s, I would have laughed out loud. Because it would be free.

Now, I’m determined to lead the “aging well” movement.

My message is simple. Age doesn’t matter. Don’t give up or compromise. It’s never too late to improve your energy by making a few simple adjustments like prioritizing exercise, eating right, getting enough sleep, reducing stress, and having a sense of purpose.

As told by Jade Beecroft

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