You Can Grow Younger

How Amazing Is Montana's Bob Hayes?

WARNING: This article will cause some people to get defensive, to get their hackles up, while others will find hope in it. Proceed with caution.

If I were to tell you about a runner in his twenties who sometimes runs 20 miles in the morning and then 20 miles that same afternoon, you'd be impressed. Correct? How about if I said he was actually 41! That would be even more impressive because we all know that athletes in their forties are well past their prime. Right? Then what would you say if this runner turned out to be twice as old, or 82-years-old!? That's right! According to Runner's World magazine's Gail Kislevitz, Evaro, Montana's Bob Hayes, 82, from time to time takes two 20-mile runs in a single day! But that's not all.

Bob runs nearly every day and likes to "race every weekend" he can. This ruggedly fit octogenarian races in everything from 5Ks to marathons to ultra-marathons (anything longer than 26.2 miles). Since, with the encouragement of his son, Thomas, he ran his first 5K at age 60 and found out  he liked it, he's run six marathons (two just this last year), 36 ultras (including 8 or 9 100Ks/62 milers), and countless shorter races.

Last month Bob, now 83, completed his 12th LeGrizz 50-Miler (his first was at age 70); his time of 10 hours 47 minutes, or a little less than 13 minutes per mile, was 17 minutes faster than he ran it three years earlier when he was just a youngster of 80. This last LeGrizz was no easy race, because the temperature at the start was record low, for early October -- zero degrees, FARENHEIT! Brrrrr. One might assume that at his age Bob would come in a distant last in such an ultra-long footrace, but actually he came in 63rd out of 91 competitors; that means that Bob had the stamina and endurance to outperform 28 much younger runners.

Some readers at this point are asking themselves: "Why would anyone, especially someone in his eighties, put himself through the pain and exhaustive effort that must be a requisite component of running 50 miles?" Here are some of the reasons this octogenarian willingly competes in these races, knowing full well the struggle and suffering he's about to endure each and every time:

• The Social Aspect -- Hanging out and conversing with fellow runners of all ages and abilities before, during and after a race is much more fun than spending time at the senior center
• The Feeling of Accomplishment after a race -- the high -- the feeling of satisfaction in having completed a very difficult task sticks with Bob for "days and days and days."
• Being in Great Shape -- Because of this vigorous activity of choice, running and ultrarunning, Bob Hayes in his 80s is in better shape than he was at 60, before he started running. This former logger, who was always in excellent shape due to his physically challenging job, at age 80 is quoted as saying, "I'm in the best shape of my life." How many individuals in their 80s or 60s or even their 40s can say that?

At this point there are those who are feeling threatened by Bob's accomplishments, who are feeling like he is showing them up by virtue of his being so outstandingly fit at such an advanced age. These people are busy mentally making excuses (reasons, if you will) why Bob can do all this running ... and they can't. I trust that this is not you, because this account of Bob Hayes, runner extraordinaire, is meant to give the rest of us hope -- not to make the rest of us look bad. It's written with the single purpose of proving, or at least helping us to believe, that by making some adjustments to our lifestyles or continuing to take good care of ourselves we, too, can stay or get in great shape no matter our age. It's to show that we don't have to deteriorate at the same accelerated rate that seems to be the norm for so many in today's society. Bob Hayes shows us by his example that we can be vibrantly alive no matter how many years have come and gone.

We can feel that Bob is showing us up, that his good health is just a lucky genetic freak of nature, and make excuses for our own failings, or we can use his story to give us hope -- use it as the impetus to make some changes for the better. The choice, as always, is up to us!

Bob Hayes, 82, shows his winning running form.
 

Ed Mayhew is a leading authority on slowing and reversing aging, who through his speaking engagements, books, CDs and newsletters, helps Boomers thrive! His age-redefining books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit him at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com   www.FitterForLife.com AND Ask for your F*R*E*E** Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

Three To Inspire

Here are three individuals whose recent exploits are inspirational. They have overcome major obstacles and advancing age to thrive and show us what's possible when we put our mind to it.

Tony Handler

Back in the Spring we posted an article entitled, Tony Handler Turns Mega Excuses Into Reasons (see Archives -- May, 2009). This told the story of Tony's completing 220 triathlons, including two Ironman events, despite several battles with cancer. More specifically, this now 69-year-old had, since age 43,  suffered through six different cancers (liver, thryroid, prostate ...) and 16 operations, including the replacing of his aortic valve in recent years.

It was also revealed that he had set a goal to complete a half-Ironman -- 70.3 miles of combined swimming, cycling and running -- to celebrate his turning 70. Since that article was first written earlier in the year, we are pleased to announce that Tony has achieved that monumental goal. On May 17, 2009 this six-time cancer surviver successfully completed the Ford Ironman 70.3 in Florida with a time of 8:33:29. And he wasn't yet ready to rest on his laurels, as he has completed at least 10 other triathlons as of August. Tony Handler shows us that we can thrive no matter what obstacles life throws in our path, if we stay focused on what we want.

Dale Hull, M.D.

In 1999, Utah's Dale Hull became a quadriplegic as the result of a trampoline mishap. Through intense rehab over the years, he was able to regain the ability to walk. In June, using a special underwater treadmill, this 55-year-old ran an underwater marathon in 5 hours, 56 minutes. In doing so, he raised $10,000 for charity. To achieve his goal of running 26.2 miles, Dale trained for 5 months, 6 days per week. Despite not being able to run on land, with some creative thinking and modern technology, Dale was able to accomplish the "impossible."     

  Colleen DeReuck

On September 7th Boulder, Colorado's Colleen DeReuck won the USA 20K Championships in New Haven, Connecticut. What makes this of interest here is that she is 45 years old, which makes her the oldest woman to ever win a major U.S. championship. Her obstacle? She was competing against elite runners decades younger than she. Her time of 1:07:21 beat the second-place finisher, who was nineteen years her junior, by 17 seconds. To win this race and title, Colleen had to run 12.5 miles at a 5:25-per-mile pace. So much for our having to slow down as we get older.

Tony, Dale and Colleen have shown us once again that falling apart as we age is an option, not a mandate. By reading about these age blasters and the obstacles they had to overcome, our own self-limiting, self-sabotaging beliefs about aging and our relatively minuscule excuses are challenged -- which encourages more empowering beliefs.

Ed Mayhew is a leading authority on slowing and reversing aging, who through his speaking engagements, books, CDs and newsletters, helps Boomers thrive! His age-redefining books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit him at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com   www.FitterForLife.com AND Ask for your F*R*E*E** Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

Where To Find What You're Looking For

Want to know how to slow the aging process? YOU'LL FIND IT HERE. Want to know how to recapture energy levels you thought were the exclusive domain of the young? YOU'LL FIND IT HERE. Want to lose the weight AND keep it off? YOU'LL FIND IT HERE. Want to meet folks just like you who've done the above and can show how you can easily do it, too? YOU'LL FIND THEM HERE! 

There are more than 127 articles and inspiring stories here to challenge any self-destructive and self-limiting beliefs you may have about aging. Reading these entries/stories will make room for new, more empowering beliefs. These new tenets will inspire you to take action steps resulting in your enjoying robust well-being and energy levels heretofore thought to be the exclusive domain of the young.

Starting with the January, 2008 story of how Bill Anderson developed the endurance and strength to peddle his bike the 2,000-mile perimeter of rugged Arizona in just over two weeks to celebrate his 81st birthday to the more recent article that revealed the "secrets" to the World's Oldest Man's longevity and excellent health -- you'll find one potentially life-transforming and inspiring idea after another. Find out how New York's Sheila Isaacs went from a non-athletic sedentary full-time working mother of two at age 53 to Ironman and an impressive triathlon first at age 67 (Feb, 2009). Get excited as you follow the story of how Michael Tasman found a single thought that rocketed him from 225 pounds of inertia to Ironman triathlete at age 50 (April, 2008).

Congratulations to Fitness Legend Dr. Bob Delmonteque, ND

Earlier this year the National Fitness Hall of Fame honored Dr. Bob Delmonteque with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Find out how this lifelong elite bodybuilder got in "the best shape of my life at age 78." (April, 2009) For more on Dr. Bob Delmonteque, you'll find a 16-page chapter devoted to his techniques for staying young in the book, Fitter for Life: The Secrets of 25 Masters of Fitness www.FitterForLife.com

274 Pounds to ULTRA Runner in Less than 2 Years

Susan Jennings, 48, lost nearly half her weight in less than two years and then had the newly-found energy to run a jaw-dropping 64 miles in a 24-hour race. Find out how she did it and how you can completely transform yourself, too, in this tell-all interview. (Aug., 2009)

 
Here's Susan in 2007 and the new 2009 version.

What's the Secret to Dancing in a Chorus Line at 85?

Find out where Dorothy Dale Kloss gets the energy and stamina to perform in 240 three-hour shows a year with the Fabulous Palm Springs Follies. Includes a video of Dorothy dancing ... and audio of a very entertaining radio interview she did last Spring. (Aug., 2009)

Going Strong at 73 -- The Ernestine Shepherd Story

Learn how a sedentary, well-padded school secretary, at age 56, transformed herself into a professional model, personal trainer and award-winning competitive bodybuilder at 73 gorgeous years. You'll be amazed by Ernestine's fit and youthful appearance in two photos and a video. Put her age-blasting techniques to use in your life. (Sept., 2009)

Tony Handler Turns Mega Excuses Into Reasons

Since age 43, Tony Handler has: fought off six different cancers (prostate, thyroid, liver ...), had 16 operations, including an aortic valve replacement, endured chemo (ongoing for the rest of his life) AND successfully completed more than 220 triathlons over the last 27 years. When this article was penned, Tony was looking to complete a half Ironman -- 70.3 miles to celebrate his 70th birthday. (May, 2009)

The Weaker Sex?

Norht Carolina's Ruth Ann Calais entered a gym for the first time in her 50s just to get strong enough to care for her invalid parents. From this inauspicious beginning and despite some health issues, Ruth Ann went on to become a World Champion PowerLifter at age 61. Find out how she greatly slowed the aging process and how you can, too! (May, 2008)

Great Gifts for that Special Someone

  Is there someone in your life in their 40s, 50s or better whom you want to stay well and have robust good health for years or decades to come? If so, there are age-blasting books and CDs by author Ed Mayhew that make excellent gifts for them -- available at www.FitterForLife.com  

Ed Mayhew is a leading authority on slowing and reversing aging, who through his speaking engagements, books, CDs and newsletters, helps Boomers thrive! His age-redefining books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit him at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com   www.FitterForLife.com AND Ask for your F*R*E*E** Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

 

World's Oldest Man Reveals His Secrets

In September Montana's Walter Bruening became the verified World's Oldest Man. Through his recent interviews, the speech he gave at his 113th birthday bash, and articles written about Walter, we can now piece together the "secrets" to his longevity and amazingly good health.

While many, if not most, super centenarians appear to be painfully holding onto the ledge of life by their crippled arthritic fingertips, unable to even begin to explain why they've survived so long, Walter enjoys robust health and superior mental clarity. His mind is sharp, his memory is accurate and he still derives pleasure from his daily strolls through the halls of his assisted-living home. He never gets sick and takes no medication other than a daily baby aspirin, whereas it's unusual for folks half his age not to be on daily medications and nearly half of Americans 65 and older require three or more prescription drugs, according to the CDC. Walter's only concessions to his advanced age seem to be his giving up his job as manager/secretary of the local Shriners' Club at age 99; the addition of hearing aids at 111; no longer being able to see well enough to read; and the use of a walker and scooter to help him get around.

Many would be quick to attribute Walter's longevity and good health to luck and a good roll of the genetic dice. This, however, appears not to be the case, as his mother passed away at age 46, his father at age 50, and his two brothers and two sisters died in their seventies.

Here are the "secrets" to Walter's still enjoying life when all his peers and family have long since left the scene:

1. A Good Diet -- Walter believes that his diet and maintaining a constant weight over the last three-plus decades (125 pounds on a 5-foot 8-inch frame) are main contributors to his long and healthy life. For the last 35 years he's maintained the habit of eating just two meals a day -- a hearty breakfast regularly consisting of eggs and toast or pancakes, and a nutritionally-balanced lunch. One of his lunch-time favorites is liver and onions. His diet includes plenty of a variety of fruit, one of his favorite foods. He savors a cup and a half of coffee with breakfast and another cup at lunch, along with drinking plenty of water throughout the day. An advocate of pushing away from the dinner table while still hungry, he feels that this would help with the obesity epidemic.
2. Stay Active -- Walter is a big believer in staying active in body and mind. He keeps his body in shape with his daily walks around the home and his mind sharp by listening to the news on the radio and regular conversations with those who live and work at the home and with the many visitors who come to meet the World's Oldest Man (one of only 13 men EVER who have been documented to have reached age 113). Walter worked for the Great Northern Railway for 50 years and then the Shriner's Club for 15 more. He believes that "work doesn't hurt anybody."
3. Moderation -- Moderation in everything is one of the factors to which Walter attributes his longevity. Along this line of thinking, he embraces change and is very adaptable. Walter is good at rolling with life's punches -- emotionally, he never gets too high or too low.
4. Learn Something New -- Walter likes to learn something new each day. In his birthday speech he stated, "Life is a school to learn, not to unlearn" and that "the world is neither a prison nor a palace of ease, but rather for instruction and discipline."
5. A Belief In God -- A strong belief in God is one of the underpinnings of Walter's exemplary life. This is made clear by his several references to God in his presentation at his latest birthday party. As would be expected from this belief, he is very tolerant of others, as is pointed out when he says, "What is truth to one is not truth to another. What is true for one country may be false in another."

It would appear that these five truths of Walter's life, rather than dumb luck of great genetics, have led to his super-long and ultra-enjoyable life experience. The Question for us is: Are there any of these five revelations that we can adopt into our lives (your life/my life) for a better life quality (and maybe some additional years) now and in the years and decades surely to come? A look at the typical obituary page in your local newspaper will show that most everyone is living to his/her 80s and better. The only real concern is our quality of life in those later years. Here's a VIDEO if you'd like to judge for yourself Walter's quality of life at age 112 (shortly before turning 113).

 
Ed Mayhew is a leading authority on slowing and reversing aging, who through his speaking engagements, books, CDs and newsletters, helps Boomers thrive! His age-redefining books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit him at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com   www.FitterForLife.com AND Ask for your F*R*E*E** Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

Going Strong at 73 -- The Ernestine Shepherd Story

One look at this stunningly attractive 73-year-old and we know there's much we can learn from Baltimore's Ernestine Shepherd about aging well. Although she is trim and ultra-fit now, this hasn't always been true and isn't the result of a lifelong pursuit of fitness.

 

Ernestine "Ernie" Shepherd, at age 73, is a personal trainer, a professional model, a competitive bodybuilder and happier and more fulfilled than she's ever been in her life.

In her youth Ernestine is said to have been a "prissy" girl with little interest in athletics or exercise of any kind. As a 56-year-old she was a sedentary, well-padded school secretary and "slug" who had never worked out a day in her life. The obvious question is: What happened to transform Ernestine into a role model for the rest of us, and senior women in particular?

What happened was that the 56-year-old version of Ernestine went bathing suit shopping with her sister, Velvet. While trying on the suits, they found themselves laughing at each other. Then and there they knew it was time to get in better shape. Ernestine and her sister joined a gym and started working out together. A short time later, Velvet died suddenly from a brain aneurysm. Devastated, Ernestine stopped going to the gym. After some months of mourning the loss of her sister and on the advice of a friend that her sister would have wanted her to continue what they had started, Ernestine returned to the gym and her personal trainer, Raymond Day, with a reignited determination to get fit.

Starting slowly and building her body step by little step, Ernestine over time completely transformed not only her body, but her life, too. She is now, at age 73, a personal trainer, a professional model, an all-natural competitive bodybuilder and an inspiration to the rest of us. Ernestine has never been happier. She trains mostly senior women five days a week and "live(s) to inspire senior women to reach their physical potential."

Personally, she likes to compete in 5K and 10K races and run marathons. She's up at 4 A.M. to get in her 10-mile runs and puts in upwards to 80 miles a week when training for an upcoming marathon. Ernestine also strength trains four or more days a week and entered her first bodybuilding competition in 2008. In this first meet she took first place in her class at the National East Coast Tournament of Champions bodybuilding competition -- outposing women decades younger.

Despite all the exercise, Ernestine says that she has no aches or pains whatsoever and has never been injured -- not at all -- in the 17 years of her new improved life. This 5-foot 5-inch, 130-pound dynamo sports 9 to 10% bodyfat; these single-digit percentages are usually reserved for elite-professional male athletes in their prime! She takes no medications. She loves her new life's work, enjoys more energy than those decades younger and has never been more successful. What's her secret? Let's look at some of what allows Ernestine to defy "normal" aging:

• Began slowly under the guidance of an expert personal trainer and gradually conditioned her body
• Ernestine, realizing early on the importance of good nutrition (including sufficient protein and supplements) sought out the services of a nutritionist
• Has the full support of her husband of 52 years, Collin, who prepares meals and makes sure the fridge is always stocked with her seven convenient small balanced daily meals
• Makes sure she gets the rest her body needs
• Tries to have a positive attitude about everything, views her workouts as fun and sees her work as being on a "long happy journey"
• Knows where she wants to go and what she wants to accomplish and do
• Believes in encouragement, inspiration and family support and lives by her mantra " Determined -- Dedicated -- Disciplined To Be Fit"

Ernestine Shepherd is having the time of her life at an age when many folks only see themselves as declining and getting old. She's in the best shape of her life by far, more successful than she's ever been and a supreme role model to senior women every where -- and to the rest of us, too. She has a lot to teach us about thriving at any age -- if we are but ready and open to learn.

Check out Ernestine's short, but potent, VIDEO.

 Ed Mayhew is a leading authority on slowing and reversing aging, who through his speaking engagements, books, CDs and newsletters, helps Boomers thrive! His age-redefining books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit him at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com   www.FitterForLife.com AND Ask for your F*R*E*E** Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

 

Osteoarthritis May Have Met Its Match In David Shuey

Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as degenerative joint disease, is a chronic condition which involves the destruction of joint cartilage, resulting in stiffness, pain and limited or loss of movement in the affected joint(s). Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of the spinal canal that can be caused by one's osteoarthritis; it has symptoms such as numbness and pain in the neck, back, buttocks, thighs or calves that can be worsened by physical activities, such as walking and exercising. It is not unusual for people with OA and/or spinal stenosis to limit their physical activity in hopes of reducing the pain with which they have to deal. West Chester, Pennsylvania's David Shuey took a different tack; he decided to take osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis for a bicycle ride across the U.S. this summer. Here's some of his inspiring story.

When David's mother was about to turn 60, her OA and spinal stenosis took a sudden turn for the worse. The result was a hip replacement, six spinal fusion procedures, and spending the last 15 years of her life in a wheelchair in a nursing home (the last two years bedridden) and of course suffering much debilitating pain. Upon receiving the diagnosis in his early fifties that he had the same two ailments, David resolved to do what he could to not suffer and end up like his mother. Recognizing that his mother's being overweight and sedentary had greatly aggravated her condition, he decided to stay active and keep his weight in check. One of his ways to keep moving was to become an avid cyclist.

As his 60th birthday approached, David decided he would honor his mother, raise awareness and funds for the fight against arthritis, and have the adventure of a lifetime by cycling across the U.S. His well-thought-out plan was to begin his epic journey in Seattle, Washington on June 5, 2009, and averaging about 60 miles a day, reach Cape May, New Jersey on August 9th -- his 60th birthday.

Having traveled through 14 states and the District of Columbia, climbed over the Rockies, endured endless storms, and shared the road with many motor vehicles (and their drivers) that didn't seem too keen on sharing the road with a biker, David arrived in Cape May right on schedule. There to greet him and help him celebrate his birthday and successful coast-to-coast trek was a host of family and friends. One of his goals had been to raise $50,000 for the Arthritis Foundation and for research to find a cure for OA; he raised $65,000 and counting.

David, despite his osteoarthritis and spinal stenosis, which require him to take anti-inflammatory medicine twice a day to make the pain manageable, was able to peddle his bike 3,606 miles to achieve his lofty goal. He averaged close to his planned 60 miles per day on his 64-day journey, made many new friends, saw the country up close and personal, and got his message out: "I may have arthritis. But arthritis doesn't have me!" -- and, arthritis can't stop you if you keep moving.

To see extensive photos of his journey and read David's daily blog entries and to donate to the cause if you'd like, visit: http://community.arthritis.org/David9/blog

Remember, whether you have (a) potentially-debilitating condition(s) such as David deals with on a daily basis or one that has you stymied like his mother's situation, check with your doctor or other medical professional to see if physical activity might help you, too. Who knows, muscular movement might just be what the doctor ordered (orders).

Ed Mayhew is a leading authority on slowing and reversing aging, who through his speaking engagements, books, CDs and newsletters, helps Boomers thrive! His age-redefining books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit him at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com   www.FitterForLife.com AND Ask for your F*R*E*E** Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

It's Never Too Late to Choose Commitment Over Excuses

This is the story of an average individual, not unlike you and me. This 48-year-old, noticing that too many of his peers were succumbing to serious health problems, decided to do something to see to it that he wasn't next. Not content to just cross his fingers and hope that the heart conditions, diabetes and  knee replacements that seemed to be becoming more commonplace didn't touch his life, he took up running.

This, however, is not about the running! Running is merely one of many choices he could have made to improve his health and decrease his risk of being struck down by an unwelcome disease condition. This IS about choosing commitment over excuses; it's about the realization that it is never too late to completely transform one's life from ordinary to extraordinary -- from merely surviving to thriving!

Wanting to reclaim robust health, Ed Wolfgram, 48, got up extra early one morning, as in 5 A.M. early, to go for his initial run. He made it about half a block. Undeterred, the very next day he gave it another try and ran the whole length of the block. Buoyed by his improvement, slight as it was, in the weeks to come he added five and ten minutes to his jaunts until his running sessions were 45 minutes, three times a week. Fifteen months later and 25 pounds lighter, he ran his first marathon.

Now hooked on running marathons, in his early fifties, fearing that all this running might lead to a premature end to his running due to breakdown of his knees due to overuse (since at age 15 he had suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear that ended his high school football-playing days), Ed started to alternate days of biking and swimming with his running days. This led to his taking up triathlons as a fun hobby.

In 2009, now 76-years-young, having completed 13 Ironman triathlons (2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of biking and a 26.2-mile marathon) and having won the 70-74 age group in 2003 in 13 hours 25 minutes and 10 seconds at the Ford Ironman World Championships in Kona, Hawaii, Ed is ready to take on the Ironman in Kona again this Fall. Making this latest attempt all the more astounding are the events of recent years leading up to October 10's Ironman:

• At age 73 Ed was treated for and overcame prostate cancer
• Now 76, he still holds down a full-time psychiatric practice in St. Louis, Missouri
• At the peak of his training for an Ironman Ed puts in up to 18 hours a week of training (25 miles of running, 150 miles of cycling and 4 hours of swimming)
• In 2002 he was diagnosed with aortic valve stenosis -- a condition where a narrowed valve limits blood flow from the heart -- a condition that worsened for Ed over the next couple of years
• Due to the aortic valve condition, he had a pacemaker implanted in December of 2007
• In January of 2008 Ed had open-heart surgery to replace his aortic valve
• To qualify for Kona in 2008 (described below), a 75-year-old Ed had to complete the Louisville Ironman with its rolling hills while enduring 90-degree temperatures and high humidity

Due to his exceptional level of fitness developed over the years, Ed was able to handle his health setbacks with much more ease than most. On the day of his major open-heart surgery, for example, he ran the one-and-a-half miles to the hospital. Also, his rapid recovery from the morning surgery astounded his cardiologist, who had not seen anyone at any age heal so fast; it included getting out of bed that afternoon, walking the next day, a mere 3-day hospital stay, and a return to running just two weeks later. Nine months after the surgery, Ed completed the 2008 Ironman World Championships in Kona in 16:48:20, one of three Ironman triathlons he successfully completed in a three-month period.

Many (not you and I, of course) will hear a story like Ed's and feel threatened -- will feel as if he's showing them up. They will get defensive and search their mind for excuses disguised as reasons as to why their situation is different. They will argue for why their accelerated aging is justified, was unavoidable and is the normal course of aging.

Others will be inspired by Ed's story. They will see the hope for themselves in his age-defying achievements. Seeing the possibilities, they will commit to some simple steps they can take to improve their quality of life, as Ed did.

In his late forties Ed struggled to run the length of a block. Now he is reaping the benefits of having taken one small step at a time to improve his well-being.

As was stated at the beginning, it's not about the running (biking or swimming). It IS about someone showing us that we can completely transform our lives and that we can have all the vitality and energy we need to enjoy life to the fullest, no matter our current age or condition. What are we going to do? Are we going to make excuses as to why we are stuck where we are or are we going to commit to a few simple changes so we can enjoy the better life that Ed Wolfgram has shown us we can have?

Ed Mayhew is a professional speaker and the author of books, CDs and newsletters on how to slow/reverse aging. His books include: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit Ed at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com www.FitterForLife.com and Ask for your F*R*E*E* Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

Number One Reason Some Folks Age Much Faster

The number one reason why some folks age much faster than others is not the usual suspects: lack of exercise, poor nutrition or sub-par genes. While these three are major players to be sure, none of them is the big kahuna of accelerated aging -- that title clearly belongs to one's mental focus. The thoughts we entertain on a regular basis have greater power than anything else to dramatically speed up or slow down aging. Here's why.

We all have desires, goals and dreams. We also have beliefs about what is possible for us to do, be or have. Beliefs are really just habits of thought, which all too often are based on erroneous assumptions and misperceptions from our past. Beliefs are often created in childhood before logic is fully developed. When our habitual thinking / beliefs are at odds with our desires, a strong tension or resistance, if you will, is created between reality (what we're living) and our dreams or desires (what we wish to live). The greater the disparity between what we want and what we perceive as possible, the greater the stress AND the faster we age because stress is the great ager.

Let's look at how this self-induced stress ages us from a purely biological point of view. Biologically, stress is dealt with as if there were a saber-tooth tiger about to pounce on you. At that threat-to-your-very-existence moment, all energies are diverted into preparing to do battle or run away. No resources are wasted on digesting food, fighting microbes or repairing/regenerating cells because survival in the moment takes priority (if you become the big cat's lunch, what good will all those usual cellular functions do?) Whether there's an actual beast about to attack, an angry boss or beliefs and desires that don't match, the body treats it all the same -- as if there's an imminent threat to your survival.

When what you are interested in being, doing or having is closely aligned with what you believe is possible or probable, you are happy and fulfilled and stress is low. In this situation, since there is no immediate external threat to survival "perceived," all bodily energies can go into digesting food, killing microbes and repairing/regenerating cells damaged or destroyed by free radicals ... In this state, aging is slowed.

Folks who age the fastest are focused on being stuck where they don't want to be. Their current life situation doesn't jive with their dreams of what they would rather be living. Recently I wrote about Virginia's Susan Jennings who, at age 46, was stuck, or mentally focused, where she didn't want to be -- at 274 pounds. By refocusing her thoughts to where she'd rather be, in less than two years Susan had lost 135 pounds and become an ultra-marathon runner. Recently, she came in fifth among all the women in a 50K (31-mile running race). At age 48 she's biologically much younger and happier than she was years earlier because she more closely aligned her beliefs (her habits of thought) with her desires (her vision of where she'd rather be). With her new, improved mental focus, Susan was able to take the action steps that she now knew with certainty would lead her to a more desired body size and image. This change of mental focus made it possible for Susan to completely transform her life and vastly slow the aging process.

How closely aligned are your beliefs to your dreams and wishes for the future? Remember, more than exercise, a good diet or a great set of genes, your mental focus determines how fast you age. Focus your thoughts less on where you are (unless, of course, you like it there!) and more on where you'd rather be and in time, you'll be inspired to take the action steps that will take you there and keep you younger.

Ed Mayhew is a professional speaker and the author of Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You www.YouCanGrowYounger.com  www.FitterForLife.com  Ask for your F*R*E*E* Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

What's the Secret to Dancing in a Chorus Line at 85?

What's the secret to being able to dance in up to nine 3-hour, high-energy shows each week at age 85? More specifically, where did the oldest performing showgirl, Dorothy Dale Kloss, get the stamina and vitality to perform in 240 shows over a nine-month period last year as a featured dancer in The Fabulous Palm Springs Follies? In last year's show, Dorothy performed several numbers with the show's chorus line, danced solo, and even participated in a hilarious comedy routine with the Follies impresario, Riff Markowitz. On days when there was a matinee and an evening show, that meant a 10-plus hour gig, when warming up, multiple costume changes, dancing and everything else involved in doing a show are taken into account. Dorothy has been doing this -- loving this -- for the past 14 years. Just words, however, cannot do this ageless performer justice; you must see her in action to get the full picture and find out her secrets to defiantly snubbing her nose at Old Lady Age.

Dorothy Dale Kloss, however, is anything but a johnny-come-lately to show business and dancing, as she started dancing at age three and has been dancing ever since. By age 13 she was proficient enough to teach tap dancing classes, and one of her students was 10-year-old Bob Fosse, who went on to become one of the greatest dancers, choreographers, filmmakers of all time. As a 15-year-old, Dorothy hit it big, performing in the famed Empire Room at the Palmer House in Chicago. Through the years she has shared the stage with such greats as Liberace, the Mills Brothers, Frankie Lane, and Mel Torme among others. At age 64, with the help of surgery and chemotherapy, she overcame colon cancer; concerning this battle she says that as a result, she changed her diet and "changed my thinking." A few years later her only son moved across the country, taking her grandchild with him, and Dorothy was left with the question: "What am I going to do with the rest of my life?" Immediately the answer came to her -- dance. This led to her auditioning for the Palm Springs Follies at age 71. She's been kicking up her heels as an integral part of this variety/burlesque show ever since.

The Follies is no small-potatoes production. The show, which changes each season/year, regularly performs to sold-out audiences, as attested to by the fact that almost three million folks have seen the show since its inception 18 years ago.

Having covered that background information, that brings us to answering our original question: What's the "secret" to dancing in a chorus line at 85?

• Is it her diet? Dorothy says she doesn't have any restrictions on what she eats. She likes to joke, "No health food ... I need all the preservatives I can get."
• Is it her exercise? Dancing is great exercise for her because besides keeping her fit, it keeps her happy.
• Is it her mental focus? In this regard, she says, "Focus on life ahead of you -- not behind you." She has also said, "I believe every day is a day worth living and get up and live it ... I don't believe in negativity."

To really understand what makes it possible for Dorothy to live such a full, rich and vibrant life at 85, you really have to meet her through this VIDEO -- if you haven't already. You can also gain much insight into her "secrets" to successful living during the second half of one's life by listening to this radio interview she did in May of this year with "Bulldog" Bill Feingold. LISTEN TO THIS!

What's Dorothy Dale Kloss' secret? Is it her positive attitude toward life, expressed and seen through her quick wit and free and easy laughter? Is it her active lifestyle filled with joyful dance? Her dietary practices? If you've watched the video and listened to the radio interview, you know in your heart what it is; if you haven't, do it now and find out for yourself the "secrets" to your living life to the fullest, no matter your age.

Dorothy Dale Kloss, 85-year-old showgirl!

Ed Mayhew is a professional speaker and the author of Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit Ed at www.YouCanGrowYounger.comand www.FitterForLife.com  Ask for your F*R*E*E* Fitter After 50 e-newsletter

Top 10 Ways to Stay Young and Be Happy

(1) Do what you love, love what you do -- be passionate about at least one thing

(2) Smile, laugh, hug and kiss frequently and easily (willing recipients only)

(3) Find activities that you enjoy that challenge your cardiovascular and muscular systems and do them often -- alternate these with periods of rest and relaxation

(4) Eat and drink for nourishment and JOY

(5) Blame no one -- You (nobody else) create your own reality with your thoughts and actions

(6) Keep life fresh and interesting by learning something new every day

(7) Praise and appreciate more -- Condemn and criticize less

(8) Spend less time focused on where your stuck and more time creating the future you desire

(9) Read about, listen to and hang out with those who are fun and living much younger than their years

(10) Acknowledge a higher power -- revel in knowing that although your body is finite, your consciousness/Soul is eternal

BONUS: Continually choose thoughts that feel better to stay young and be happy!

Ed Mayhew is a professional speaker and the author of the books: Fitter After 50, Fitter for Life and AGE BLASTERS: 3 Steps to a Younger You Visit Ed at: www.YouCanGrowYounger.com  and www.FitterForLife.com  Ask for Your F*REE Fitter After 50 e-newsletter