It's "normal" to lose muscle mass, bone density, joint mobility, height, endurance, energy, balance, and the ability to run, jump, hike, walk, and move as we get older.
It's "normal" to have muscle soreness, joint pain, arthritis, herniated discs, bone spurs, trouble getting up off the floor and trouble sleeping at night as we age.
It's "normal" to have muscle soreness, joint pain, arthritis, herniated discs, bone spurs, trouble getting up off the floor and trouble sleeping at night as we age.
No wonder "anti-aging" is a multi-billion dollar business. Who would want to be normal if that's what it looks and feels like? Not me.
But what if this "normal" is not normal at all?
I agree that the average person experiences all these changes as they grow older, but I do not think it is the least bit normal. The average American (actually 69% of Americans!) is overweight. It's not normal to be overweight, but it is average. The average American consumes over 152 pounds of sugar a year! That's not normal (normal might be 20 teaspoons a year), but it is average. The average American takes 12 prescriptions. That's not normal, but it is average.
The average American might have high blood pressure and sleeping problems, be overweight and unable to walk 3 miles, have several herniated discs and arthritis, and have very low energy and a daily regimen of taking half a dozen pharmaceutical drugs, but there is nothing healthy or normal about being average.
Next time you hear someone say it's "normal" to have something wrong with you, correct them and say "it's average, but not normal." And remind yourself you can become well above average with a little awareness, work, and fun. It's never too late and you're never too old.
The real normal is taking no medications, being physically strong, flexible and energetic, having no muscle or joint pain, sleeping like a baby and playing like a kid. Normal is having no physical limitations, enjoying perfect health, and having peace of mind.
But what if this "normal" is not normal at all?
I agree that the average person experiences all these changes as they grow older, but I do not think it is the least bit normal. The average American (actually 69% of Americans!) is overweight. It's not normal to be overweight, but it is average. The average American consumes over 152 pounds of sugar a year! That's not normal (normal might be 20 teaspoons a year), but it is average. The average American takes 12 prescriptions. That's not normal, but it is average.
The average American might have high blood pressure and sleeping problems, be overweight and unable to walk 3 miles, have several herniated discs and arthritis, and have very low energy and a daily regimen of taking half a dozen pharmaceutical drugs, but there is nothing healthy or normal about being average.
Next time you hear someone say it's "normal" to have something wrong with you, correct them and say "it's average, but not normal." And remind yourself you can become well above average with a little awareness, work, and fun. It's never too late and you're never too old.
The real normal is taking no medications, being physically strong, flexible and energetic, having no muscle or joint pain, sleeping like a baby and playing like a kid. Normal is having no physical limitations, enjoying perfect health, and having peace of mind.
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