Question: I am 59 years old, walk almost every morning for an hour and have never lifted weights. I am really starting to feel old and want to do something about it but am afraid of injuring myself with things other than walking. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

        Answer: Once the human body reaches 50, muscular strength declines. To avoid the decline, I suggest that you begin weight training.

        Weight training will help you, increase the amount of muscle mass in your body, gain strength, gain/increase mobility, help to avoid (or slow the effects of) osteoporosis, and maintain the ability to effectively perform everyday activities such as climbing stairs, walking, gardening, etc.

        No matter what age you are, you can make substantial gains in strength. Studies have shown that even people well into their 80s and 90s can improve strength, flexibility and mobility. Have a professional show you how to strength-train and stretch to reduce the chance of injury.

        The human body was designed for physical activity, and bodily systems such as your muscular system, neurological system and cardiovascular system must receive consistent activity in order to function at optimum levels. The concept of “use it or lose it” has never been more true.

        These systems work together as a whole to perform all the functions needed to keep you healthy and all you have to do is make sure that you keep all of these systems consistently stimulated.

        You don't have to train like an Olympian because consistent, moderate activity will be your best approach for a long, healthy life. Our society is focused on youth, which ends up fooling everyone into believing that once you hit the age of 30 it is time to start looking for a retirement community with manicured lawns.

        Nature is complex: On one hand it gave us all the physical tools needed to live a healthy life; yet we also have the choice to use them or not. The mind boggling rates of obesity, disease and death caused by lifestyle and activity patterns in our country clearly indicate which choices to make.

        Adopt the four keys of health and longevity — cardiovascular exercise, strength training, flexibility training and proper nutrition — and you can't lose.

        I challenge you to push nature around a little bit and not let age or anything else prevent you from living the long life that I know you want to live.

        E-mail davpatania@aol.com.

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