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Edging Eighty: Preventing weakness and frailty

 You were born weak, frail and afraid. Don't end up that way.





If my memory served me correctly, some form of the above quote was part of an old ad for a protein supplement. It got my attention. 

Just Google the term "sarcopenia" and you will find a wealth of information on the effects of losing muscle as you get older. This Harvard Health piece is only one of many on the subject.

The point is simple, but the process of maintaining - and certainly building - muscle is not. It can be difficult, but worth the effort. 

It has been a year since I underwent a surgical procedure to replace my aortic valve. I went into the hospital in great shape for someone 78 years old, but I had to curtail most of my exercise prior to the operation and had lost some strength and muscle mass. By the way, I had ZERO symptoms from the severe plugging of the artery with calcium, but my surgeon told me that my first symptom may be to drop dead.

Predators prey on the weak-old-and-frail. Not just muggers, but also scam artists. Don't be prey for anyone. I am currently at 5'8" and 161 pounds - while carrying enough muscle to move, work and exercise like someone much younger. It has not been easy - but well worth it.

Take another look at the first sentence in this article! Is that you - or are you heading that way? Picture yourself as "weak, frail and afraid". You have the time. That visulalization can be your incentive.



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