Midlife is no reason not to run, swim, bike, play football, baseball, etc., just like you used to

Okay, we do have to be realistic as we age our bodies change. But being realistic also means not using aging as an excuse for no longer doing the types of sports and activities that enjoyed when you were "young". (The definition of "young" being a few years less than your current age, whatever that might be).

People are living longer, sports science is getting better, and sports therapy targeted at older athletes is has hit mainstream. All of these are leading to more opportunities to remain active regardless of our biological age. If you enjoyed team sports as a youth, it might be hard for you to get excited about walking around the neighborhood for your exercise. If you were an active runner who enjoyed running on hills and trails, the thought of being on a gym treadmill might put you to sleep. When we were young exercise was fun then somewhere along the way we convinced ourselves that we could no longer do the things we liked, instead if we wanted to be fit we would need to find new and less personally enjoyable things to do (like crunches in the gym).

Even more to the point, for many of us we used to get our exercise by competing with people on teams. Then after high school or college that was it, team sports went away along with much of the enjoyment we got from working out.

No wonder we are a nation of out-of-shape people.

But it doesn't have to be this way. Exercising and participating in both individual and competitive sports doesn't have to prematurely end because you think you are "too old." Examples:

Mike Flynt a 59-year old grandfather is playing NCAA III football despite being just six years from medicare.

Steve Brenneck, who will be 67 years old in November, is a racing member of the the San Diego City College Cross Country team. (Hear his incredible story on this Podcast on Competitor Radio).

The top finishers in most ultra marathons are in their 40s. Including Vlamir Nunes who won the Badwater Ultramarathon (the 135 mile running race in Death Valley) won it at 43.

A June study in the International Journal of Sports Medicine found that "average marathon times remained essentially the same from the 20s through the 40s and then declined less than 5% a decade in the 50s and 60s."

Dana Torres at 40 is looking to make the 2008 U.S. Olympic swim team. Away from the elite level, masters swimming programs are filled with 40-50-60 and even 70 year olds competing against each other. At swim meets it can be incredibly exhilarating watching a 64 year old man up on the blocks telling you he's nervous about his upcoming race. Nervousness is the sign of a goal-oriented person who has probably trained for this moment and will be motivated to train again after the race regardless of the results.

Triathlons and Ironman races are stacked with people over 50. I did my first Ironman when I was 39 and am planning on doing my 6th next year at 48. I hope to ring in my 60th birthday the same way. (Heck, I'll be young. Bill Bell finished the 141 mile Ironman race when he was 78!)

About 10,000 people over 55 will participate in this year's Huntsman World Senior Games in such sports as basketball, triathlon, and mountain biking.

Of course age is a factor. As we grow old we lose muscle mass, coordination, balance, our reflexes slow, and we become more susceptible to over-use injuries. But age doesn't have to be the defining factor from keeping you away from the activities you enjoy.

The next step is up to you. LifeTwo has a number of relevant articles for active aging in our "Health Diet and Exercise" section. You might also enjoy Jackie's recent post on stretching. Finally, we would be remiss if we didn't remind you that anything you do should be coordinated through your primary health provider and don't let your zeal overwhelm moderation and common sense.