My 78 Year Old Mother Couldn’t Get Up

Recently, I had one of those moments with my 78-year-old mom that really made me stop and think. And since she doesn’t read this newsletter, I’m safe sharing the story with you.

She was sitting in my chair, and when it was time to get up, she had to rock back and forth several times to build enough momentum to stand. It took effort. 

Later, she tried to get into my SUV—and couldn’t. She didn’t have the combination of strength and mobility needed to get herself up into the seat and swing her legs in. My dad had to help her.

And it’s not just strength. She has very little endurance. She walks slowly, and a flight of stairs can leave her winded.

What’s interesting is that, at first glance, you might not think there’s a problem. She eats well, has always been fairly thin and looks relatively fit.

But looking fit and being physically fit are two very different things.

True fitness is about what your body can do. Can you get up from a chair? Climb the stairs? Get up from the floor? Carry your groceries? Get in and out of your car?

Those everyday things require strength, mobility, balance and endurance.

And here’s the thing: we shouldn’t wait until we need strength to start building it.

Our bodies are remarkably adaptable at any age. Staying active helps us maintain the strength and mobility we need to keep doing the things we love—and, importantly, to remain independent.

So keep showing up. Keep moving. Keep challenging your body.

You’re not exercising for the body you have today. You’re investing in the body you want to have years from now.