Last weekend I celebrated my 62nd birthday. Not necessarily in the way I would have wished but I’m hoping that after two birthdays in lockdown celebrations can only get better.

I still find it a little difficult to get my head around being 62. It doesn’t feel that long ago that I was leaving school to venture out into the world. To be 60 was to be old. To be viewed as old. Just waiting around to die.

The reality is very different. I feel fitter and healthier than I have ever done and I’m excited and optimistic for what the future brings.

And it is not just us ‘60 somethings’ that view ourselves as young. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has recently changed the definition of at what age we move from young into being middle aged. 66 apparently. This is based on research into average health quality and life span. I’m officially still young. Whilst enjoying the concessions that being over sixty brings. What’s not to like.

We are also one of the happiest age groups. Again according to research. And it is not hard to see why. The majority of us are fit and healthy. This provides us with a strong foundation to enjoy the next 20, 30 or even 40 years. To make the most of opportunities. We can travel to far off places, we can study, we can set up our own business, we can train for a marathon, we can change our body shape. The only thing that is holding us back is ourselves. And possibly a lack of funds.

However, we can be influenced by how the rest of the world thinks we should behave.

Exercise is great example of the conflict between what is best for our bodies (and our minds) and what society believes.

When I was studying for a Certificate in Exercise for the Older Adult what I soon learnt is that modifications to exercise in the absence of injury and disease only need to be made when the body starts to become frail. Usually in the 80s. For everyone younger feel free to exercise as a 30 year old. You may not be as strong or as fast but the benefits will be the same.

Unfortunately older people are often advised to slow down and take it easy. ‘You have earned it’. No. You may have earned a more relaxed lifestyle but never take your foot of the accelerator where fitness is concerned. It will prolong the enjoyment of your life and maybe even save it.

Another benefit of being that bit older is confidence. We don’t particularly care how others view us. If I want to do something I’ll do it. I’m not as brave as my brother who renovated a vintage moped and travelled solo through France into Spain. But I will travel on my own. The Antarctic is on my bucket list. My husband doesn’t do cold so it is likely that will be a solo trip.

We are not afraid of failure. We may not like it but it won’t stop us.

I’m going to set up my own coaching business.

I’m going to climb Carrauntoohi

I’m going to deadlift 120kg.

I’m going to run a marathon.

I’m going to do a pull up and a perfect push-up.

I’m going to visit 35 countries/cities.

I may not but I’m going to give it my very best.

What strikes me when I write this list is the difference between my generation and my mother’s. My mother at 62 was a fit, healthy woman. She would have been capable of doing everything on my list. But it would have been inconceivable for a working class woman to have such aspirations. We are certainly fortunate that the world has moved on.

Being 62 is great. Whilst the gloriousness of youth is no longer reflected in the mirror I am fitter and stronger than I’ve ever been. And just raring to get out and about when the world starts opening up again.

As a 62 year old woman in a youth obsessed society I may be invisible. But that is my super power.