Just for the heck of it I searched Google today for "seniors and martial arts."  So guess how many references I picked up in a quarter of a second.  Would you say 700, 7,000, 70,000, 700,000, or more?  If you said "more," you're right on the money.  7.6 million was the actual number. 
   No, I'll never try visiting all those pages, but here's the general theme of the articles I did check out: the martial arts can help seniors age more gracefully.  The health benefits include flexibility, balance, stamina, and muscle tone.  And unlike many fitness programs that seniors might consider, the martial arts have the added benefit of being, well, martial -- that is, they have a built-in warrior component that could very well come in handy if you're assaulted.  Although you're not likely to be assaulted, it's nice to know that you've been trained to react in some defensive manner should the unexpected happen.
   Beyond this -- and perhaps most important of all -- the martial arts represent a way of life.  The sense of well being that comes with the serious study of karate, taekwondo, kung fu, or any other martial art you care to name goes beyond the physical.  There's a strong mental component as well, and it means something slightly different to each of us.  Meditation, discipline, focus, and a sense of challenge are among some of the benefits that come to mind.  Call it what you will, it's about living a fuller and fitter lifestyle.
    My goal isn't to break cinder blocks with my forehead when I'm 80, although I would be suitably impressed by anyone who can do so and live.  I just want to live the martial-arts lifestyle and keep my mind and body tuned up.  You've probably read a great deal in recent years about the research that has been done on the mind/body connection.  But what scientific researchers are proving is something that martial artists have known for generations: a strong mind and a strong body together are better than either alone. 
    Whether you're a 75-year-old black belt or a 55-year-old white belt, you'll find something worth having in the martial arts.  Please take a moment to share your experiences with "Seniors in the Martial Arts."  If you're a New Jersey martial artist over the age of 50, this blog's for you.
     Stay well.