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Age is a strange thing...

You spend your youth working hard, striving to build a healthy 'nest egg' for the future. You see retirement as a chance to enjoy life and spend the money you've worked hard for. You might want to travel, improve your golf swing or tennis game, and spend time with your family and grandchildren.

But for many people the perception of retirement isn't always the reality. By 65, if not younger, many people are already plagued by illness, pain, a reduced range of mobility and / or obesity. Recent reports go so far as to say that 1 in 5 men won't reach retirement if the current age is raised to 67! It's a shocking statistic that many of you may find hard to swallow...

Whether caused by a lifetime of poor diet, lack of physical activity or external sources such as stress or smoking, people are finding retirement isn't always the 'rosy ideal' they thought it would be. Performing everyday tasks can become hard work!

That's not to say many people don't enter retirement fit and well. But over time, more time at home and not so many pressing engagements to attend to can lead to a slower lifestyle. This means that many of these people may also begin to see similar problems. As youngsters we are always telling our parents or grandparents to take it easy, put their feet up and relax. We feel they've worked hard all their lives and deserve a rest. With this attitude it's no wonder the health of our elders is in such decline!

During the midlife years, the average person will gain about 10 pounds of bodyweight every decade. This is caused by a loss of muscle, due to a slower, more sedentary lifestyle, and a gain in fat, due to eating at the same level as you did when you were younger and more active. Food feeds muscle, so by gradually losing muscle you start to overfeed the body, causing weight gain. Muscle loss also places you at risk of conditions such as osteoporosis, arthritis and lower back pain. So why put yourself at risk?

There is absolutely NO reason why your later years shouldn't be just as enjoyable and pain free as your youth. Older people can maintain or even begin developing physically active lifestyles, even after decades of sedentary behaviour. Much like a house needing renovation there is little that can't be fixed and restored to full working order, with a little work and some gentle enthusiasm!

The key to a healthy retirement lies in remaining active. No one says you've got to realise that dream of becoming a world class athlete. There are a whole host of activities that sound like more fun! Whether it's regular walking, swimming, cycling, visiting a gym or even brushing up on that golf handicap, it's about doing something that you can fit into your daily life, that adds variety and enjoyment. Strength training is also a must. Many gyms now offer classes designed specifically for older clientele, which help to strengthen the body and maybe give your social life a boost too!

Of course there are many people that aren't so fortunate and already have conditions, illness or reduced mobility. They too can benefit from regular activity, provided they have clearance from their health advisor. A course of corrective exercise with a Personal Trainer, to improve posture, iron out muscular imbalances and introduce balance and body awareness, are highly recommended. Many degenerative conditions, such as arthritis and lower back pain can be reversible with proper training.

So, instead of putting those aches, pains and illnesses down to the inevitability of getting older, why not grab back your youthful energy? Older age doesn't restrict you from being active. You'll feel better, be more productive, and those grandchildren will need a whole lot more energy to keep up with you!