GRAPHIC PHOTOS of a 69 year woman in a swimsuit.

I am so glad that so many of you find inspiration in the progress and story of an old lady. Many folks look at MFP as a site for young folks and people dedicated to working out. I do NOT fit into that model of the MFP member.

I am a representative of the older crowd on MFP, many of whom are not physically able to do a whole lot. Damaged bodies may limit our ability to do some of the more strenuous activity of the gym, even outdoor sports and activities. However, that doesn't mean that we can't lose weight, find 'comfortable' physical activities and even be a real part of MFP. We can even inspire and give wisdom from our own life experiences (both good and bad) to the wonderful, younger folks on MFP. After all, I represent "what they might be in the future"...both good and bad.

To the youngsters...Don't let your life become dedicated to food and carry pounds of fat around with you that can keep you from being all that you would want to be. Don't wait, until you are in your senior years to wake up to the reality that you replaced real happiness for eating day and night through the best years of your life.

To the old timers...Use my example of weight loss, instead of using excuses (i.e. "I'm too old to start another diet.", "It is too hard to lose weight after menopause.", "I don't belong in a swimsuit at my age.", "What difference will it make. It's TOO LATE to change who I am.", and "I have too many physical problems." These excuses all occurred to me...BUT...I still decided to..."AT LEAST TRY TO LOSE SOME WEIGHT."

I set small goals and found success. I did what I could physically, even in a wheelchair, until I didn't need the wheelchair anymore. I kept coming back to MFP and made so many friends who encouraged me every day. Most importantly, I was honest about my food; and I didn't get discouraged and give up, when I would hit an occasional plateau. Slow but steady (like the tortoise) has worked for me.
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You are so right!!!! Congratulations on your success and good luck with your future plans. You can do it and I know that you will.

As you know, the older you get the harder it is to lose...

I can't use that excuse anymore. I discovered that I had to get passed all my excuses about age, post menopausal women and my physical limitations, before I could even get started. I was a wheelchair bound, morbidly obese woman of 67, when I came to MFP. I had spent most of my life making excuses for WHY I COULDN'T LOSE WEIGHT..."like other people". I found out that the same rules apply to all of us. Cut back on the calories and find some kind of exercise that works for you. For me, Sit And Fit exercises for handicapped and older folks was the start. Then, swimming came back into my life; and I was joyful in my new level of activity.