Most people believe that mental and physical decline is just a part of aging. The good news is, you have more control over how you age than you may realize.

Dr. Vonda Wright, MD, an internationally renowned authority on active aging says when it comes to your fitness level the sky’s the limit. “I see no boundary other than our own predispositions in what we can achieve.”

She believes it’s not a question of whether you should increase your activity level, it’s more about making certain you are not taking any unnecessary risks by doing it, and Dr. Wright says it begins with baseline testing.

“Did you know that a simple grip test can predict your health? Or that how well you get out of that chair can predict your surgical outcome?”

She believes that getting checked out first is the smart and safest way to go.

From there, she says it’s all about moving as much as possible, and being engaged in whatever it is you choose to do.

“What I’ve found is that people who exercise four or five days a week seem to be much more likely to maintain their mental agility and their ability to make quick decisions.”

Dr. Wright says it is important to live with intent, and not to give in to any preconceived notions.

“There is a terrible myth out there that aging is an inevitable decline down this slippery slope to frailty and that’s just not true.”

She has seen patients who were under the impression that exercise was just for athletes but in reality the changes and improvements can be greater and more visible in those who have been sedentary.

To hear more about Vonda’s story head to – http://bit.ly/2UkIWpO​​

Dr. Wright believes that regardless of whether you’re an elite athlete or a avowed couch potato, exercise won’t just change your life, it will improve it in almost every aspect.

“I believe that we can be healthy, vital, active, joyful, into the very minute we take our last breath.”