Our members at Brighton Group Fitness & PT are amazing! Unlike most gyms, they are not just numbers on a screen or someone walking on the treadmill of life every time they visit!
Imagine standing at the intersection of your current choices and the future you aspire to live. It's a thought-provoking crossroad where every decision shapes the journey toward a life that goes beyond the average.
Let me share a poignant question that recently sparked a profound conversation—a question that resonates not only with one member but invites each of us to ponder the path we're paving for ourselves.
(Shared with permission from a conversation late last year)
Question:
"Considering the average life expectancy for males (78) and females (82) in Australia, how can you help yourself make the most of every year in terms of health, fitness, and well-being, ensuring a fulfilling life beyond the average life expectancy?"
Context and Reflection:
This question struck a chord, especially for this remarkable member who is turning 67 this year. Standing just 15 years away from the average life expectancy (78 for males, & 82 for females), she embraced a commitment—to not merely live beyond the expected average years but to set lofty goals for 2024 and beyond. Despite the ticking clock, she's determined to thrive in her 80s and 90s, savouring every moment.
Inspiration Strikes:
This shared commitment is fuelled by our collective inspiration. The age of 67 isn't a barrier; it's a launchpad. It's an opportunity to redefine what's possible, challenge personal limits, and set audacious goals that ripple through the years.
Setting Lofty Goals:
For this member, just embarking on this journey, the long-term focus is crystal clear—to witness the birth of great-grandchildren and play with them on the floor in her 90s. Before that beautiful milestone, she aspires to reclaim the simple act of sitting on the floor and getting up unassisted, a feat she hasn't achieved since her late 40s.
Overcoming Challenges:
Now I'm not sure about you, but that inspires me to do whatever I can to not only exceed my average life expectancy but to do whatever it takes to feel as good as I can for as long as I can before I am on my death bed!
It's not morbid, and it's not depressing, because we are all going to die one day soon, so how can we make the most of it?
In a world where we have all the resources, all the support and all the things we need to succeed, if we can do whatever we can to live the best quality of life possible right up till the end, why wouldn't we?
I acknowledge this looks different for each person, and what is fulfilling for one person, isn't for another.
I also acknowledge that everyone starts from a different place. Perhaps with niggly back pain, knee pain, shoulder pain, unable to tie their shoelaces, not being active for 20 years whilst they were bringing up their kids, or just not prioritising themself for so long.
It doesn't matter where anyone starts with us, it just matters that they start!
It's the same if anyone hits a plateau or is in a bit of a slump as well, it's completely normal to hit plateaus and resistance along the way, that's just a part of life!
Embracing Variety:
That's why we incorporate as much variety as possible within our sessions, within our excursions, and within our education and bonuses that we give our community members! There is no one-size-fits-all approach.
This member that I mentioned above only just started with us (that's right, she's in her 60s and is just starting), and one of her long-term focuses is to be able to see her great-grandkids be born and be able to play on the floor with them in her 90s. Before that happens though, she wants to be able to get down on the floor and get up again without using assistance, which she currently hasn't been able to do since her late 40s.
Will this be able to happen for her? Maybe it will, maybe it won't, no one knows for sure... But she is willing to work toward it, even though she feels like she is starting from scratch, and we have a pretty awesome track record for this exact focus from our long-term members.
Will there be speedbumps along the way like niggles, injuries, holidays, birthdays, work, kids, and all of the other things that "the average" person uses as excuses, yes there certainly will be!
That's where reviewing, previewing, and adjusting the actions and focuses come into it to be above average!
Hope, Plateaus, and the Unseen Future:
Could there be unexpected circumstances, accidents, or just life that gets in the way and stops you in your tracks? Yes! But why bank on them and why let them hold you back from enjoying your life today as they may not happen right till the end!
Top 5 Regrets of the Dying:
One of my absolute favourite reminders that I think about when I am feeling sorry for myself, in a slump or just not feeling like life is flowing, is this blog post by a palliative carer, Bronnie Ware, CLICK HERE to check it out and let me know your thoughts about the top 5 regrets of the dying.
So if you are thinking of putting things off and getting to your 80s and 90s by pure hope, then you could be in for a rude shock!
Living past the average life expectancy is not just about exercising as much as you can, it's not just about being on a diet all your life, and it's not just about doing the most or least possible each day!
If you are local to the Brighton, Seacliff or Glenelg areas, and are 40, 50, or 60+ and would like more info on how could possibly help you live past the average life expectancy, whilst having fun in the process meeting some other amazing locals, then just hit reply down below or contact us to learn more!
Dedicated to your longevity,
Glen & The Team!
Get Fit - Have Fun - Join a Community of amazing members in the great outdoors!