"Age. It's just a number. Its not your birthday, its how you age that makes a difference."

I recently came across a BBC News article on Health which talks about how human lifespan has increased over decades because of better lifestyle conditions and greater medical advances.  There is no one elixir to lead an active lifestyle later in life but there are several things you can do.


Have a healthy diet: 
Scientists have also looked int the Japanese diet searching clues as to why the life expectancy is so high.  Evidence mainly points to a diet consisting an abundance of fish and vegetables, less smoking and drinking versus western societies, and exercises that focus more on yoga like activities rather than strengthening. No processed foods eat fresh fruits and vegetables.

Have a good mental outlook:
Your age is just a number. The attitude you take towards your age is what counts. Feeling young at heart and having a positive outlook to life. Be curious about life always. Think about the next trip, the next book, the next event.

Have a strong group of friends: 
Being social help people be involved in activities making it less likely to be isolated. Friends can also help identify early warning signs and help friends get medical help.

Be physically active: 
Participate in activities you enjoy. Long walks, climbing, running, scuba diving, getting into the gym, biking, golf, tennis, swimming, yoga, and many more. Low impact sports. There are many things that people can do rather than sitting on the couch.

Some interesting facts about Ageing most people don't know about: 

1. Our hearing: By the age of 10 most of the population start to decrease sound because our hair cells start to die when we are born. Sensitive high frequencies are lost first.

2.  By the age of 80 most people will have shrunk by 3cm (1.2 in.) Our bones from the ge of 35 start to lose density.

3. With age we lost the fatty padding that cushion our heel thus the feet tend to spread and makes it look bigger.

4. General knowledge and vocabulary with age actually increase, but quick thinking declines.

5. After 30, the maximum heart rate declines roughly one beat per min. per year and the hearts peak pumping capacity drops by 5-10% per. decade.

So the next time you look yourself in the mirror and think you are old or not in the shape you want. Look for inspiration towards the people who are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, and even 90s who live the active healthy lifestyle. It is truly amazing. 

This blog was inspired by the bbc article on health. 
To read and find out more information on Ageing go to:
http://www.bbc.com/news/health-27207219

Staff Introduction:

　 Shinichi George Kidera  APF ACADEMIES COACH

 "I always think age as a mental thing. If your heart is 20 it will always remain 20. Eat healthy as often as possible, stay active, smile and laugh a lot. I plan on living until I am 100+ with a healthy lifestyle."

Back into the swing of things in 2014! My goal is to definitely learn more Thai this year, play more tennis, get into great shape, and as always inspire those who want to become better tennis players. Have a great start everyone to your new year and keep your goals alive and in-line.