Are You Too Old to Exercise? The Power of Words in Our Health
“Get out of the way, Jimm is pushing this sled!” Is he talking to himself? Yes. In third person? Yes. Is he sane? Absolutely. Research shows there is power in third-person self-talk.
The inverse you have likely heard before, maybe even said it yourself, “I’m too old for this!” While it’s often used as a light-hearted joke, this sad, self-fulfilling mantra steals a belief in ourselves and our spirit of vitality, one comment at a time. It stems from an attitude of surrender and can set a trajectory of physical decline.
What Does the Research Say?
What we say internally and out loud about ourselves in a typical day is called our self-talk. Research shows that self-talk can have powerful effects on our self-beliefs and our behaviors. Specifically, people who use positive self-talk are more confident, motivated, and productive.
By saying, “I’m too old for this!” and like statements, we’re telling ourselves we can’t do it anymore. Belief is a key component of confidence and intention to exercise. Thus, with repetition we believe these critical comments. This belief decreases our efforts to participate, then we decline physically, and ultimately we confirm our original self-deprecating comments. As such, the self-fulfilling prophecy is complete.
Additionally, a study that examined the effects of self-talk on social stress management showed that using third person self-talk enhanced self-regulation. Yes, it’s weird to talk to ourselves using the third person. Regardless, the findings suggest that it promotes self-distancing which enhances a person’s ability to regulate their thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Self-talk Example:
Negative Talk: “I’m too old for this. My feet hurt, it’s impossible!”
Alternative: “It’s not easy, but Jimm will swim or bike to stay active while his feet heal. Jimm will find some friends to join him, too.”
Living Examples
Several years ago, I attended the Senior Olympics Track and Field Event. I took a few video clips of competitors I found truly inspiring. Participants included adults over age 50 who competed in a range of events including hurdles, high jump, pole vault, sprints, and distance races. These short clips (20 sec) include a 50M Dash of:
These participants did not maintain their ability to sprint for 90 years by waking up each day saying, “I’m too old for this.” Instead, they said, “Jimm is going for a run!” Then, he laced up his shoes and went to the track.
Are You Too Old to Exercise?
Exercise is for everyone, young and old. Certainly, don’t do activities that hurt you or that you despise. Instead, find activities that are safe and enjoyable for you. Finally, filter your self-talk to speak life and encouragement into your beliefs.
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References:
Blanchfield, A., Hardy, J., Morree, H., Staiano, W., & Marcora, S. (2014). Talking yourself out of Exhaustion: The Effects of Self-talk on Endurance Performance. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise.
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