We’ve all heard these phrases before – black dresses are the “new white,” grey is the “new black,” 40 is the “new 30” and 50 is the “new 40”…or some gibberish like that.

Let’s take a step back and see how this evolves, at least in my universe.

Then the inertia sets in. First thing you know, your child is 13 – a “teenager” and all the hormonal catastrophes that come with that (for both sexes).

Now your child is 16 and driving, and it doesn’t seem too long until he or she is married and has one or more kids. Now you’re a “G.R.A.N.D.P.A.R.E.N.T.”

When in the *&^$%#@! did all this happen?

When you turn 30, your metabolism is supposed to start slowing down. By 40 it’s barely awake and by 50, it’s in a coma. At 30, you have all the energy you could need. At 50, you have all the energy a can of Ensure can supply. At 30, you have the bulk of your life ahead of you. At 50 you have the bulk of your life behind you (unless you’re one of those genetically lucky individuals with a family history of longevity).

So, is the old cliché that “50 is the new 40” accurate? Does that make 60 the new 50 and 90 the new 80? No, I think 90 is still the “old” 90, thank you.

We can take one of two roads here – accept the age and downward coaster ride into “Boomer” oblivion, or meet this head-on and say 50 is a “new day.”

It has been shown that daily exercise can have positive effects on life expectancy. Author Linda Sorensen elaborated on this topic in a LiveStrong.com article earlier this year, stating, “In a University of Texas study, researchers broke down the exercise regimen that slowed aging into different components – endurance, resistance and flexibility training.

Each of these types of exercise had a positive effect on specific parts of the body that are normally affected by age. The study concentrated on muscle mass, the nervous system and the heart.”

Since metabolism does indeed slow down as we age, a more concentrated effort must be made just to keep up with the process in terms of exercise and health.

While seniors or Boomers – call them what you will – won’t be bench-pressing hundreds of pounds or running gymnasium steps, daily walking and resistance (weights) exercising will reap significant rewards. Also be acutely aware that stretching is as important as any exercise component to help avoid injuries to muscles, tendons and joints.

While the types of exercise we engage in continually changes as we age, low-to-no impact for example, the benefits from any exercise at all are worth the effort, hands down.

Just a note of caution…always consult your physician or health care provider before embarking on any exercise program.

I guess the bottom line is, embrace your “Boomer youth” and make it one of the most healthy and interesting times of your life. Hey if I weren’t 50(++), I wouldn’t be blessed with my three beautiful grandchildren and the opportunity to play with them and watch them grow.

OK mom and dad, you now have to worry about those teenage years – we just spoil ‘em and give ‘em back.

The only think is, at my age, if 50 is the new 40, does that mean I have to work 25 more years before retiring?

If you want/need help developing a program that’s right for your needs, contact Compass Care Management LLC ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it ) to see how they can help.

Chisholm’s expertise in nursing, orthopedics and surgery spans more than 30 years. For more information on orthopedic-related topics, visit www.bone-and-joint-pain.com. Submit questions or comments to Ken at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .