We’ve all had them. The question in my mind is how to be as athletic as possible the older one gets. Recently at dinner In between courses, a fifty something college basketball official shared valuable insights into athletes growing older. I commented on the fact he must work out intensely to be in such great shape. His reply “I always have.”

Always is a key concept. I’ll never forget my neighbor who always ran the number of miles of his birthday on his birthday. You can imagine the training that went into his 45th birthday run. Thankfully he has the right body shape, discipline and determination for it.

I used to work – out to be attractive to women. Now I work out to stay alive! Several of my closest friends inspire me, and keep me going. My 40 something friend charges the surf hard, right into Sports Illustrated Magazine, a true waterman. My fifty something buddy is still one of the fastest players on the basketball court, armed to the teeth with wisdom. My sixty something friend does 200 sit – ups every morning and surfs big waves all over the world most recently from a private yacht in the Indian Ocean no less.

A fifty something guy myself, I ski, swim, bike, golf, hike, play tennis and non competitive basketball. I was once a surfer, boxer, runner, football and baseball player. I’m fascinated with how people successfully unwind their athletic experiences into older age. I’m sure many would smirk at the term “athlete” being used loosely in this context. My only reply to this is what I see in the gym. It is clear to me whom are the folks that are athletic, and those who are not. Keep in mind most folks are at home watching television whatever their age.

Staying physically active for as long as possible is worthwhile goal. We can share, learn and be inspired by each other, and our friends. To get the conversation started I propose the following acronym “BEER”. Beer can serve as a springboard for ideas and a framework for the discussion. Hopefully this will result in a series of best practices which will enhance all our lives.

Why beer? It’s easy to remember and often times in one’s mind towards the end of a good work-out.

B – Balance

E – Energy

E – Exercise

R – Rest

Balance is key for 40+ athletes because it impacts so many athletic endeavors. It also enhances one’s rhythm which helps one to better get into the flow of life. Finally it helps prevent falling the number one enemy of the 40+ athlete.

Energy is central to a 40+ athletes because they need to stay active daily. As one gets older energy seems to be in shorter supply and we benefit from healthy ways of increasing it.

Exercise resulting in physical conditioning (staying in shape) is “core” for the 40+ athlete. Good decisions regarding types and durations of exercise are often times the difference between failure and success.

Rest and rehabilitation (making comebacks) are often times the least understood and underestimated factors in the longevity of the 40+ athlete.

Have any ideas to contribute on balance, energy, exercise, and rest. Do you know a 40+ athlete? Can you share tips, strategies, secrets to their success? If your comments need more breathing room please email me @ rokeefe@creativeretirementplanning.net.

CHEERS