LPT: You don't have to grow old gracelessly

I have become a lot more self-conscience about the whole aging process, now that I am in my 30's and can really see the effect it has on my mind and body. While I know that no ones body is the same as it was at 20, I don't want mine to turn into a puddle of shit at 40 like my father and his father did. <br><br>I read somewhere that maintaining muscle mass even as you age will help slow down a huge chunk of age related problems mentally and physically, so I started weightlifting this year and I already notice that I am way sharper and more energetic than I was. I have friends in their 40's that are still in top physical condition, both in and outside of work.<br><br>While I understand that there are cases where maintaining health is not as simple as lifting weights and running for 30 minutes a day, I see tons of people who have every opportunity to be healthy, who instead decide to drink soda and smoke all day. If you don't have any underlying health issues that prevent you from taking care of yourself, then there is no excuse. No matter how hard it is, if you have the opportunity to do it, you should.<br><br>EDIT/ I am blown away by the amount of support this little tidbit of advice has received. It's crazy and I am very thankful. I just want to add a few things. <br><br>#1: I understand that not all older people are fat, out of shape or drink/smoke ect. Not once did I say that everyone who ages does. This was solely for the people who do. #2: Again, I completely understand that maintaining health is not as easy for some as it is for others. To those who do have issues preventing them from maintaining great health, I am not subjugating you to the same level of judgment that I am the people who have every opportunity to do but choose not to. Thank you all so much!