QUEUEJUMPER.

If you get to the end of this story with raised spirits and optimism, then don’t change anything, that’s a real shame.

There will be things in the way of you acting on what I am about to say. So please move them out of the way. Queuejump. This is important.

What’s Happening?

If you are a guy in your 50s, this is happening to you – today:

1. Your muscles are weakening and stiffening.
2. You are about 54% water. 10 years ago you were about 61%.
3. You have less *testosterone because it’s more quickly used up repairing muscles and tissue.
4. You are increasingly susceptible to depression, memory loss and anxiety.

What to do about it – today.

Listen. This is a friend talking. Do all of these things please – today.

1. Two things.
   1. First, get off your fat arse and do something that makes you breathless for  20 minutes, 5 times a week. (So OK, you can start tomorrow if you like).
   2. Second, find a photo of a guy of a similar age to you, with a body shape you desire, and work towards it. How? Speak to someone like Spencer from Storm Fitness. Make sure that, like Spencer, they are expert, generous and genuinely interested in you.
2. Drink 4 litres of water every day.
3. Exercise and address what you eat and drink. Find your Spencer (see 1) and tell him or her that you want to address testosterone reduction.
4. Two things.
   1. Accept and reframe. Moan about not being able to run as fast or as far as you could at 20 if you like. That won’t change it though. Alternatively, focus on what you can do. I was most toned at 29. I remember. I have a goal of beating how I felt and looked back then, in my 50’s. Some people think I’m stupid having this goal, so it’s a bloody good job I don’t give a shit what they think, isn’t it? (And I never asked for their opinion anyway, come to think of it).
   2. Talk about how you feel. Others feel it too. I get down, forget stuff and get anxious. Loads of people like us do. So talk to me or them. I’m listening (michael@50odd.co.uk).

Queuejumper

I know you’re busy but please, jump the queue.

I know for a fact that you have read this next bit before. Every time you’ve been on a plane:

“In case of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks above your seat will deploy, please place the mask on yourself first and then assist your child or other passengers”

Look after yourself first. You’re important.

Then help the other passengers on your journey. Your children, other people’s children, your wife, your husband, your friends. Be your best you. And do whatever you can so you stick around for as long as you can.

They need you.

…

*Testosterone enhances libido, bone mass, muscle mass and strength, red blood production, sperm production and helps better fat distribution.