As I age into my sixth decade I'm attempting to remain as physically, mentally and socially active as possible to continue to forestall the inevitable side effects of the aging process. The way I exercise has changed as my lifestyle has changed.

As much as I enjoy my current lifestyle I've become aware of an added dimension of caution I didn't encounter 30 years ago when I was more willing to risk jumping off a boulder, running down a rocky trail at full speed or racing down a highway on a bicycle. It's the second time this week I've had the experience. Earlier, I attended a performance of the Mark Morris dance company where I joyously watched a now grown-up peer of my children exhibit the strength and flexibility I knew I was once able to accomplish. I've also recognized there are times when I miss words in a conversation that takes place in a noisy environment, that, finally, like my peers I occasionally grab for "cheaters" to read small print.

There's a certain amount of grief in the acknowledgment that my active lifestyle no longer includes the element of risk. After all, when injured, I don't heal as quickly, so I find myself weighing the consequences of an action before I take it.

Happily my life includes the diversity that comes with the wisdom of aging and life experience. I get as much pleasure watching a 15 month old friend learn to run as I did when I ran myself. As my garden explodes with color I gain pleasure from nurturing a plant as I used to when I sped by them. Instead of 15 minute stretches required before engaging in a series of high kicks I choose 15 minutes of quiet reflection to help keep my life on course.

The point is, that despite the sadness of loss, the trade-offs have their own rewards. Perhaps in slowing down, I'm wising up.