Don't Judge a Cover By Its Age

I well remember the day I showed up at a ride-share point to join a Sierra Club hike, and was somewhat dismayed to find all the other participants were "old" men. I was in my mid-twenties, and consoled myself with the thought that at least it should be an easy day. That was before they ran me into the ground for six hours, panting and struggling to keep up their pace. I soon discovered that these men were all retired and able to hike two to three times a week, which kept them in great shape. It was a superb lesson in prejudging a person solely by age. Many active members in their 60's and 70's (men and women) became my role models for aging well.

For those of us not yet retired, recognize that exercise keeps us active mentally as well as physically. No matter how much you love your work, you will return to it with renewed focus if you leave it behind. Some of my best ideas and problem solving occur when I am hiking; it gives my mind permission to work in the background and see unexpected connections and possibilities. One study showed that business travelers who exercised during their trip scored higher on problem solving tests later in the day. Remember to schedule exercise into your life for increased productivity.