The 5 Fears of Aging

Beginning around age 40 many women notice changes in their bodies that sound an alarm. You may be perplexed by creeping weight gain and stubborn belly fat. Perhaps you feel stiffer in the mornings and are becoming accustomed to living with little aches and pains in your joints. You may start looking for the elevator instead of taking the stairs.

Behind the scenes, all the systems of the body are indeed undergoing a subtle shift. As you approach perimenopause, hormonal changes cause the metabolism to slow down. There is a steady decline in bone and muscle mass. You are at increased risk of heart attack and stroke. You may even experience a slight decrease in balance and cognitive function.

Here are several common fears of aging and how you can modify their affect.

Joan Pagano is the author of five exercise books, including the best selling Strength Training for Women. She is the owner of Joan Pagano Fitness in NYC and the former trainer to Jackie Kennedy. Since 1988 she has provided professional guidance to people at all levels of fitness - including those with conditions like heart disease, arthritis, osteoporosis, and breast cancer, as well as advancing age. Receive a free copy of Joan's book, "The Best Defense against Aging: Getting Fit and Staying Strong". For more information visit www.joanpaganofitness.com.

I'm Afraid its Too Late to Fix My Body at This Age

"I am helping my elderly parents cope with the changes that are occurring as they are getting older. It bothers me to see them struggling to maintain their independence. Is it ever too late to begin exercising? Is it safe for them to start at this advanced age?"

It is never too late to start exercising and the earlier you begin the longer you will benefit. Your individual exercise program is unique to each person and should be tailored to your starting level of fitness, your medical history and your objectives and goals. Studies show that even people in their 90's with chronic diseases can improve their strength by 175%, walking speed and balance by 48%.

Each of us wants to be able to maintain all of our everyday activities without undue fatigue and with energy to spare. Although genetics plays a role in retaining a youthful body, the single most important lifestyle factor is our engagement in a well-rounded exercise program.