As we launch into the month after ambitious new years resolutions have been set, it’s important to look at the facts:

– 39% of individuals in their twenties achieve the resolutions they set.

– Only 14% of individuals over the age of 50 achieve their resolutions.

So…what’s with the 25% gap? What, exactly, makes us 25% less likely to achieve our goals once we reach the age of 50? Our bodies inevitably change as we age — there is no getting around that. As Benjamin Franklin said, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” And in some ways, he was right: as we age, it becomes harder to lose weight and more difficult to keep our energy levels, flexibility and strength up. But instead of rolling over and giving up before we even try, we need to really consider the value of leading by example.

Regardless of your career or occupation, your health allowed you to do your job and in return you affected not only the lives of those around you but also the history of our world. Our society advances based on the efforts of both the young and the elderly.

If the elders of our society give up after 50 years old, consider the poor example that sets for the younger generations. And then consider the example of perseverance that can be set if we don’t give up after 50 years old, no matter if it’s not as easy as it once was. Childhood obesity has more than tripled in recent years, costing over $100 billion a year. It’s up to us to send a message. To lead by example. We can’t for someone else to do the job. If we want to set a powerful example of health for the younger generations, as elders, we must be the ones to help shape the future.

The more healthy decisions you make, the better you will age, enabling yourself to enjoy the fruits of your labor for longer. In fact, some of your best accomplishments can come from later years in life. You have more wisdom and perspective than ever before, and you can use it to pursue a more well balanced life, and help carve the path for younger people to follow.

The solution to better health is you. Your health, and your life, are waiting on you. So what are you waiting for? Continue to write your story — don’t give up! The best is yet to come.

Kaleb Roudabush, NSCA-CPT, Wellness Coordinator | Functional Pathways