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The Sanders family took a note from Frank Costanza making “Feats of Strength” a central motto to our upbringing. Christmas, Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day — all of these devolve into some type of physical test. Last year it was paintball, foam sword fighting, inflatable obstacle courses (my older sister even lost a toenail) and, most recently, arm wrestling. It’s true that no matter how old, tall or strong you get, your big sister will always win. After a dozen tournaments, my 89-year-old grandfather had had enough spectating and decided to challenge my dad, the reigning champion. Grandpa slid down to his knees, something he hadn’t done on purpose in years, and put his arm up on the ottoman looking my dad dead in the eyes. The audience was still, uneasy about the outcome of the match, believing it could be so much more than a win/lose situation. I literally envisioned Grandpa’s arm coming right out of the socket.

What took place was a 10-minute battle of the wills as these two men squared off, neither willing to give an inch. Frazier versus Ali, the fight of the century, was happening right there in my parents’ front room, although I can assure you neither of these guys can float like a butterfly. No one knew who to cheer for until you recognized an 89-year-old guy was bringing it; he had our hearts. In the end, my dad rang triumphant, with all of us thinking he was putting on an act as he struggled, trying to save face for his father-in-law. In reality, my grandfather is a master of strength and my dad swore he was seconds from losing the battle.

Tom Musgrave, a retired professor of psychology from Weber State University, is heading into his 90th year. My grandpa is a shining example of preparing for old age and as I get older, I recognize the wisdom and diligence it takes to keep his body capable of everyday tasks, let alone arm wrestling his son-in-law who is 20 years his junior.

Grandpa’s routine consists of a daily walk, miles of walking. When it’s cold out, he zooms around the mall; when it’s warm, he walks around North Ogden with a specially designed walker my uncle Jeff created. Instead of your typical walker with the handles at waist height, Grandpa’s goes up to his shoulders with handles like a joystick. The wheels are serious business so Grandpa can take on any bump. Strength training does not go ignored, either; he lifts hand weights to keep his arms and shoulders solid. A physical therapist also works with him to keep his mobility on point.

For the last few decades, my grandpa has been getting ready for old age. He’s taken care of himself knowing that the “downhill” part of life could go easy or be really difficult. Tom is doing the work. It’s easy to get sucked into hours of television when you have a job and kids; it is even easier when more of your free time builds up after retirement.

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Now more than ever, older adults are getting out and getting moving. According to the Centers for Disease Control, folks over 65 should get 150 minutes of moderate exercise to keep not only the heart moving, but to keep those muscles strong enough to haul the human body. They also recommend strength training twice a week. It seems to me as you get older, it’s not about thin or fat, but whether or not you can move from room to room without a serious threat of falling. As we get older, our neurological function goes down, paired with our musculoskeletal system, but both doctors and common-sense show strengthening those systems can slow down the process.

Following these guidelines is a willingness to stare harsh realities down in hopes of accomplishing what we mentally know we must do. Arthritis, deteriorating eyesight, hearing loss and hip replacements are just some of the barriers older adults must overcome to get out and move. These are just physical; the mental holdups like loneliness, sorrow, anxiety and yearning can be even more powerful. Having lost his true love nearly five years ago, Grandpa has every reason to quit. Instead, he charges forward determined to reach 90. Who knows what happens at 91? He may decide to sew those wild oats, and then the world better watch out!

The so-called baby boomers are hitting mid-70 to early 60s, a generational spike that stretched out for 20 years. My parents are right in the thick of it and I want them around, in good health, until they’re 90. Already my dad is changing his diet, his routines and how he cares for his body. Being a military veteran living with a serious traumatic brain injury, he certainly has every reason to go sedentary. This, plus a Fortnite addiction, are his biggest barriers but he still gets up and prepares for old age and pickleball every day.

“Getting old ain’t for sissies.” I Googled quotes about aging and this one from the actress Bette Davis popped up. I had to share it because it captures my thoughts behind this column. I am in awe of how my grandfather faces the reality of aging. While he’s not working at Weber State anymore, he does go to work each day as he pushes himself toward the goal of a healthy body. He’s made a conscious decision to age gracefully. Whether fate will allow this isn’t up to him, but he’s doing his part. If hitting that major milestone birthday isn’t motivation enough to keep Grandpa in tip-top-shape, maybe reminding him Ali lost his first fight to Frazier but was the victor in the next two could keep him going. Mother’s Day is just a couple months away, after all. Rematch?

Meg Sanders worked in broadcast journalism for over a decade but has since turned her life around to stay closer to home in Ogden. Her three children keep her indentured as a taxi driver, stylist and sanitation worker. In her free time, she likes to read, write, lift weights and go to concerts with her husband of 17 years.

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