Who decided that once you reach a certain age, you’re supposed to stop trying new things, chasing your dreams, and challenging yourself? And more importantly, why are so many of us listening?
I recently read an inspiring article about a woman who decided to go to medical school at 73. Seventy-three! I absolutely love stories like that. Stories about people who wake up one morning, decide there’s something they’ve always wanted to do, and finally do it.
But here’s what I find interesting. When a 25-year-old decides to change careers, everyone applauds their ambition. When a 35-year-old starts training for a marathon, people admire their determination. But when a 65-year-old announces she’s going back to college, learning to ice skate, or taking her first weightlifting class, suddenly everybody has something to say.
- “Why would you want to do that at your age?”
- “Aren’t you getting a little old for that?”
- “Be careful. You don’t want to hurt yourself.”
- Well, why wouldn’t I want to do something new?
I’m 66 years old, and I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “You look good for your age,” or ask, “Why would you want to do that at your age?” Now, I know some people mean well, but those comments can be frustrating. Why can’t I just look good? Why does wanting to become stronger, learn something new, or pursue an ambitious goal require an explanation because I’m 66?
I was having a wonderful conversation with my son Johnathan about this very subject, and he reminded me that we live in a culture that often expects older people to act old. Apparently, once we reach a certain age, we’re supposed to sit down, stop asking for too much, and take our medications as prescribed. Well, I don’t know about you, but I have quite a few things I’d still like to do!
Hello everyone, and welcome to The Diabetic Toolbox, where we are on a mission to end type 2 diabetes one family at a time through education, support, and empowerment. If this is our first time meeting, my name is Renee. I am an emotional eating and diabetes lifestyle coach and yoga teacher. I help adults over 40 with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes lower their blood sugar, lose weight, and improve mobility without extreme dieting or spending hours in the gym.
Today, we’re talking about why it’s never too late to start something new, why being a beginner matters when you’re managing a chronic health condition like prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, how to find the courage to try something unfamiliar, and why starting small is nothing to be embarrassed about.
I’m also going to share a little story about working out with my very athletic children and why I’ve learned that sometimes you have to advocate for yourself, even with people who love you. Because I want you to consider something.
What would you try if you stopped worrying about being the oldest beginner in the room?
1. Why Do We Expect People to Stop Growing as They Get Older?
Somewhere along the way, our society developed some strange expectations about aging. We celebrate ambition in young people. We encourage them to explore, experiment, take chances, and discover what they can do.
But when people reach their 50s, 60s, or 70s, the conversation often changes. Instead of asking what we’re excited about, people start asking when we’ll retire, slow down, or stop doing certain activities. And while there’s nothing wrong with enjoying retirement or choosing a slower lifestyle, there’s something wrong with assuming that everyone wants the same thing.
I think one of the most frustrating parts of getting older is having people assume what you can and cannot do without ever asking. They assume you’re not interested in learning new technology. They assume you wouldn’t enjoy traveling alone. They assume you’re too old to start exercising, take a dance class, or pursue a new career.
And if you’re living with a chronic health condition, those assumptions can become even more limiting. Someone hears that you have type 2 diabetes, arthritis, high blood pressure, or another health concern, and suddenly they start treating you as though your life should revolve entirely around managing that diagnosis.
Of course, we need to take our health seriously. We need to follow our treatment plans, attend medical appointments, and understand our physical limitations. But having a chronic illness doesn’t mean you’ve lost the ability to enjoy new experiences. It doesn’t mean you can’t learn to swim at 60, start strength training at 70, or take piano lessons at 80.
It means you may need to approach certain activities differently. And that’s perfectly reasonable. The real concern is what happens when we begin accepting other people’s assumptions as facts about our own lives.
You stop considering the things you’d like to try because you’ve convinced yourself you’re too old. You decide not to join the fitness class because everyone looks younger than you. You abandon the idea of learning something new because you’re afraid you’ll be the slowest person in the room.
Before you know it, you’re letting other people’s expectations determine how you spend your days. I don’t want that for myself, and I certainly don’t want that for you.
2. Why Being a Beginner Matters When You’re Managing Prediabetes or Type 2 Diabetes
Let’s talk about why this conversation is especially important for those of us managing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, or another chronic health condition. One thing we know about managing blood sugar is that regular physical activity can make a meaningful difference.
When you move your body, your muscles use glucose for energy. Physical activity can also improve insulin sensitivity, helping your body use insulin more effectively. That means activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, yoga, and strength training can all help support healthier blood sugar levels.
And you don’t have to become an athlete to experience benefits. For someone who has been mostly sedentary, starting with a five- or ten-minute walk after dinner can be a reasonable first step. If walking is uncomfortable because of arthritis or joint pain, a chair exercise class, gentle cycling session, or water-based activity might be a better option.
Strength training is particularly valuable as we age because it helps preserve muscle mass, which supports mobility, physical function, and glucose metabolism. And balance exercises can help reduce fall risk, which becomes increasingly important as we get older. But here’s what I want you to understand.
You don’t have to be good at an activity to start getting its benefits.
You can be a beginner at walking for exercise. You can be a beginner at lifting weights. You can be a beginner at yoga. You can even be a beginner at learning how to prepare balanced, blood sugar-friendly meals. In fact, if you’ve recently been diagnosed with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, there are probably several things you’re learning for the first time. Check whether your gym offers the Silver Sneakers program, which creates physical experiences for folks over 60.
You may be learning how carbohydrates affect your blood sugar, how to read food labels, how to plan balanced meals, or how to incorporate movement into your day. That’s a lot of new information. And if you’re already feeling overwhelmed by your diagnosis, the last thing you need is someone making you feel embarrassed because you’re starting from the beginning. Can starting a new activity really improve your blood sugar?
Yes, it can. Regular physical activity can help improve glucose management, cardiovascular health, strength, sleep, and overall physical function. For some people with prediabetes, lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
But the benefits depend on your individual health, the type of activity, and how consistently you can participate. Physical activity doesn’t replace prescribed medication or medical care. If you have diabetes-related complications, cardiovascular concerns, arthritis, or other conditions that affect exercise safety, talk with your healthcare provider about appropriate activities and modifications.
The goal is to find movement that supports your health and fits your life. And sometimes, that means being willing to start something you’ve never done before.
3. How to Find the Courage to Be the Oldest Beginner in the Room
Now, let’s talk about something that doesn’t get nearly enough attention. Being a beginner can be intimidating. Especially when you’re older. Imagine walking into a gym for the first time in twenty years. Everyone seems to know what they’re doing. People move confidently between machines, lift weights, and follow workout routines.
Meanwhile, you’re standing there trying to figure out how to adjust the seat on a stationary bike. Or perhaps you’ve signed up for your first yoga class. You walk into the studio, look around, and notice that everyone seems younger, more flexible, and more experienced.
Before the class even starts, you’re wondering whether you’ve made a mistake. I understand that feeling. But here’s something to remember. Being unfamiliar with an activity doesn’t mean you’re incapable of learning it. It means you’re unfamiliar with it. That’s all.
If you’re learning to play the piano at 65, you shouldn’t expect yourself to perform like someone who has been playing since childhood. If you’re learning to ice skate at 70, your first lesson should focus on balance, safety, and getting comfortable on the ice, not performing complicated routines.
And if you’re starting strength training at 60, your first responsibility is to learn proper technique and choose an appropriate resistance level. You don’t have to prove anything to the person standing next to you. There are three ways to make starting less intimidating
First, choose a beginner-friendly environment. If you’re interested in strength training, ask your gym whether someone can show you how to use the equipment safely. Many gyms offer orientation programs or personal trainers who can show you how to use the equipment and even help you put together a simple workout plan. If you want to try yoga, look for a beginner, gentle, or chair-based class.
If you’re interested in running, consider a beginner walking-and-running program rather than signing up for an advanced running group. The right environment can make an enormous difference in how comfortable you feel.
Second, tell the instructor what you need.
You don’t have to pretend you understand something when you don’t. Ask questions. Tell the instructor if you have arthritis, limited mobility, balance concerns, or another issue that may affect your participation. A qualified instructor should be able to explain the activity, offer appropriate modifications, and help you understand when to stop.
Third, give yourself permission to learn.
You’re going to make mistakes. You might forget the steps in dance class, need extra time to learn a yoga pose, or struggle with a new musical instrument. That’s part of learning.
And consider this: if you’ve spent years encouraging your children, grandchildren, coworkers, or friends to try new things, why wouldn’t you offer yourself that same encouragement? You have every right to walk into a classroom, gym, studio, or community center and say, “I’m new here, and I’d like to learn.”
4. Why Starting Small Is Nothing to Be Embarrassed About: A Lesson From My Athletic Children
Now, let me tell you a little story. My children are athletes. From the time they could walk, they’ve been involved in sports, training, competing, and challenging themselves physically. Three of them are former D1 college athletes, and two are veterans; one is an airman, and my oldest is a Marine. And I love that about them. I also enjoy working out with them. But every now and then, I have to remind them of something. I’m 66 years old, and I’m not interested in getting under the squat rack!
Now, there’s nothing wrong with older adults using a squat rack. With proper training, strength, and supervision, some people in their 60s, 70s, and beyond can safely lift substantial weight. But that’s not what I want to do. And if my arthritis is bothering me, I might not walk 10,000 steps that day.
That doesn’t mean I’m not committed to taking care of my health. It means I’m paying attention to my body. My children have spent most of their lives participating in sports. They understand training, endurance, and pushing themselves physically. But my goals aren’t necessarily their goals.
I want to build strength, improve my mobility, maintain my independence, and feel good in my body. I want to travel, enjoy long outings, carry my groceries, participate in activities I love, and keep living an active life.
And if that means modifying an exercise, using lighter weights, or shortening my walk because my joints are bothering me, I’ll do it. Learn to advocate for yourself, even with people who love you.
I think this is especially important because sometimes the people encouraging us have good intentions. Your adult child wants you to become stronger. Your friend wants you to join her fitness class. Your spouse wants you to walk farther. And there’s nothing wrong with having people who encourage you.
But encouragement should never require you to ignore pain, dismiss your concerns, or participate in an activity that isn’t appropriate for your current abilities. You can appreciate someone’s support and still say:
- “I’d love to work out with you, but I’m going to use lighter weights today.”
- “My knees are bothering me, so I’m going to shorten my walk.”
- “I’m interested in strength training, but I want to learn proper technique before increasing the weight.”
Or even, “That activity doesn’t interest me. I’d rather try something else.” You don’t need to apologize for those decisions. And let’s talk about that 10,000-step goal.
Somewhere along the way, 10,000 steps became the number everyone seems to believe they must reach. But 10,000 steps isn’t a universal medical requirement. Research suggests meaningful health benefits can occur at lower step counts, and the right amount depends on factors such as age, fitness, mobility, and health conditions.
If you have arthritis and your joints are particularly painful, forcing yourself to reach an arbitrary number could aggravate your symptoms. That doesn’t mean giving up movement altogether. It might mean choosing a shorter walk, using a stationary bike, practicing gentle mobility exercises, or following your healthcare provider’s recommendations for managing a flare.
And if you can comfortably walk farther on another day, wonderful. The important thing is to recognize that your exercise routine should serve your health, not become another source of unnecessary pain or pressure.
5. What Would You Start If You Stopped Letting Age Make the Decision?
I want to move beyond exercise for a moment because being a beginner isn’t just about physical fitness. It’s about continuing to participate in life. Think about something you’ve wanted to do but haven’t pursued. Perhaps you’ve always wanted to learn another language.
You might be interested in taking a photography class, writing a book, learning to swim, joining a community theater group, or going back to college. Perhaps you’ve spent most of your adult life working, raising children, supporting a spouse, or caring for aging parents.
And now that you finally have a little more time to yourself, you’re not quite sure what to do with it. I think this is a wonderful opportunity to ask yourself what you want to learn. Not what your children think you should do. Not what your friends are doing.
And certainly not what society expects someone your age to enjoy. What interests you? If you’ve always wanted to learn to play the piano, call a local music school and ask about adult beginner lessons. If you’ve dreamed of becoming a runner, look for a beginner program that alternates walking and running, assuming your health and joints allow it.
If you want to learn to ice skate, contact a local rink and ask whether they offer adult beginner instruction and what safety precautions they recommend. And if you want to return to school, investigate the programs that interest you.
You don’t have to enroll in a four-year degree program to enjoy learning. Community colleges, libraries, universities, and recreation centers offer classes and workshops on all kinds of subjects. Why trying something new is good for your emotional well-being: Learning a new skill gives you something to look forward to.
Just think about it for a minute. It introduces you to people who share your interests. It can provide opportunities for social connection, especially if you’re retired, living alone, or adjusting to changes in your family life. Learning also engages attention, memory, and problem-solving skills.
Although learning a new skill cannot guarantee protection against dementia or other cognitive conditions, intellectually and socially engaging activities can be valuable parts of a healthy lifestyle. And for those of us managing chronic health conditions, having interests outside our diagnosis is especially meaningful.
Yes, we need to manage our blood sugar. Yes, we need to pay attention to our nutrition, medications, physical activity, and medical appointments. But those responsibilities shouldn’t be the only things on our calendars.
I don’t want every conversation about getting older to revolve around what hurts, which medication someone is taking, or which activity we can no longer do. I want to hear about the new class you’re taking, the book you’re writing, the walking group you joined, and the vacation you’re planning. I want us to have things we’re excited about. And if pursuing those interests means being a beginner again, so be it.
6. This Week’s Action Step: Choose One Thing You’ve Been Putting Off
This week, I want you to identify one activity you’ve been interested in trying but haven’t started. It doesn’t have to be expensive, physically demanding, or particularly ambitious. It just needs to be something you genuinely want to explore. Here’s what I’d like you to do.
Step 1: Write down the activity.
Be specific. Instead of writing, “I want to exercise more,” write, “I want to try a beginner strength training class.”
Instead of writing, “I want to learn something new,” write, “I want to take an introductory piano lesson.”
Step 2: Identify what’s been stopping you.
Are you worried about being the oldest person in the class? Are you concerned about your physical abilities? Do you think you’re going to embarrass yourself? Or have you convinced yourself that you should have started years ago? Be honest about the concern so you can decide how to address it.
Step 3: Take one action within the next seven days.
Call the recreation center. Email the instructor. Look up the class schedule. Ask about beginner accommodations during the class. Or register for that introductory session you’ve been considering. If the activity involves exercise and you have health concerns, find out what modifications or medical guidance you need before participating.
You don’t have to accomplish the entire goal this week. But I do want you to take one action that moves the idea out of your imagination and into your actual life. And here’s an extra challenge.
If someone asks why you’re doing it at your age, resist the urge to give a long explanation. You can tell them, “Because it’s something I’ve always wanted to try.” That is a perfectly reasonable answer.
Not Sure What to Eat After a Prediabetes Diagnosis?
As we talk about trying new things, I also want to remind you that learning how to eat differently after a prediabetes or type 2 diabetes diagnosis can feel like becoming a beginner all over again. Suddenly, you’re trying to understand carbohydrates, portion sizes, balanced meals, and which foods support healthier blood sugar levels.
And if you’ve spent decades eating a certain way, making changes can feel intimidating. That’s why I created the FREE What Am I Supposed to Eat Now? Starter Cookbook. It’s designed for people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes who are ready to eat differently but aren’t sure where to begin.
You’ll receive the 14-Day Whole Food Starter Guide, including:
- 7 breakfasts
- 7 lunches
- 7 dinners
- 7 snacks
- A simple shopping list
- Practical meal-building tips
- A 14-day tracker
No complicated meal plan. No separate meals for your family. Just simple, everyday food and practical guidance to help you answer the question: What am I supposed to eat now? Download your FREE Starter Cookbook and start with your next meal.
You Still Have Things to Learn, Places to Go, and Experiences to Enjoy
My friends, I hope today’s conversation has encouraged you to reconsider some of the expectations we place on ourselves as we get older. I started by telling you about a woman who decided to attend medical school at 73. And while I think her decision is inspiring, I don’t want us to believe that doing something extraordinary later in life is the only way to make the years ahead meaningful.
You don’t have to become a doctor, run a marathon, or climb a mountain to demonstrate that you’re still capable of learning and growing.
- Perhaps your big accomplishment this year will be learning to swim.
- Perhaps you’ll finally take the art class you’ve been talking about for ten years.
- Perhaps you’ll join a gym and learn how to use the weight machines.
Or perhaps you’ll become comfortable walking around your neighborhood again after years of dealing with arthritis or another health challenge. Those experiences matter, too. And I want to return to something my son Johnathan and I discussed.
Our culture has a habit of treating aging as though it automatically means withdrawing from the activities that make life interesting. But I don’t believe we have to accept that expectation. At 66, I understand that my body has changed. I have to approach things differently than I did at 25 or 35.
I pay attention to my arthritis. I think about my strength, my mobility, and what I need to do to stay healthy. But none of that means I’m finished discovering what I enjoy or what I can learn. And I certainly don’t want to spend the next twenty years sitting at a desk, watching other people have experiences I would love to try.
Because at the end of the day, nobody is going to salute you for sitting at your desk the longest. I want to encourage you to make room for something that interests you.
- Be the beginner runner.
- Be the beginner weightlifter.
- Be the beginner ice skater.
- Be the beginner piano player.
- Be the person who walks into a classroom at 70 and says, “I’ve always wanted to learn this.”
And if you’re managing prediabetes, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, or another chronic condition, learn how to participate in ways that support your health. Ask questions. Request modifications. Work with qualified professionals when necessary. Speak up when something doesn’t feel right.
You don’t have to keep up with your children, your friends, or the person exercising beside you. You do need to respect your own needs and give yourself the opportunity to discover what you can do. I hope that when we reach our 70s, 80s, and beyond, we’ll still have something new on our calendars like a class we’re excited about, a place we’ve never visited, a skill we’re learning, or an activity we never imagined we’d enjoy.
And if we happen to be the oldest beginners in the room, I hope we’ll introduce ourselves, ask where to start, and enjoy the experience. Now, I’d love to hear from you!
Let us know in the comments what new activity you’ve always wanted to try, what’s been holding you back, and what one step you’re willing to take this week to get started.
And please share this blog with someone who’s been telling themselves they’re too old to begin something new. Remember, change happens one habit, one choice, one day at a time.
Until next time, take care of yourself and each other.
With Peace & Love,
Renee
More Resources From The Diabetic Toolbox
The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast
Prefer to listen? Join Renee on The Diabetic Toolbox Podcast for practical, honest conversations about managing prediabetes and type 2 diabetes in everyday life. Each episode explores topics such as blood sugar management, emotional eating, movement, healthy habits, weight loss, mobility, and creating a lifestyle that supports your health without resorting to extreme diets or hours in the gym. Explore previous episodes wherever you listen to podcasts.
Reference Guide: Starting Your Movement Plan
Want something you can save and use when you’re ready to exercise? Download the companion reference guide, Starting Your Movement Plan: Yes, It Might Hurt, But This Will Help. This simple guide gives you practical reminders for preparing your body before movement, paying attention to how you feel while exercising, caring for your body afterward, and choosing an appropriate place to begin.
Renee & Ruby’s
Renee & Ruby’s was created in honor of my mother, Ruby, whose experience with type 2 diabetes remains central to The Diabetic Toolbox’s mission. Visit the shop to discover apparel, mugs, journals, totes, and other products designed to celebrate strength, encouragement, and the women we love. Your purchases also help support our work serving people and families affected by prediabetes and type 2 diabetes.
Health and Wellness Disclaimer
The Diabetic Toolbox provides content for educational and informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before changing your diet, medications, or exercise routine.
All physical activities, including yoga and walking, carry a risk of injury, and participation is voluntary and at your own risk. Individual results vary, and we don’t guarantee specific improvements in health, fitness, weight loss, or blood sugar. Your health and safety are our priority, and we’re honored to be your health partner.
