On this episode of Sixty Plus Uncensored, I had the privilege of sitting down with Patricia Greenberg, widely known as The Fitness Gourmet. At 64 — almost 65 — Patricia is living proof that age isn’t a limitation but an opportunity to thrive. Her journey from marathon running to nutrition teaching, from writing books to hosting seminars across the country, is packed with wisdom for anyone who wants to age with strength, vitality, and purpose.
This conversation wasn’t just about eating better or working out harder. It was about rethinking what it actually means to grow older — and why, as Patricia says, “It’s okay to be old.”
Rethinking What “Old” Means
Patricia points out that our society still clings to an outdated definition of aging. Back in the 1930s, when the Social Security Act pegged 65 as “old age,” life expectancy was much shorter. Today, we’re living decades longer — yet many still believe 65 is a finish line rather than a new chapter.
Instead of resisting aging, Patricia encourages acceptance. That doesn’t mean giving up. It means planning for the realities of later life — including end-of-life documents, healthcare directives, and conversations with family — so that you can live with freedom and peace of mind in the present.
From Dentistry to Dietetics: Becoming the Fitness Gourmet
Patricia didn’t set out to become a wellness expert. In fact, she started her college career on the path to dentistry. But one required nutrition class changed everything. She fell in love with the subject, switched her major, and began working as a dietician.
From there, she entered the culinary world, teaching wellness and nutrition to future chefs at the Los Angeles Culinary Institute. And then came the marathons. At 35, she ran her first LA Marathon and went on to complete 20 races worldwide, including Boston and even the original route in Greece.
That experience, she says, taught her that the human body — even a body in its 40s or 50s — is capable of much more than we give it credit for.
Eat Well, Live Well, Age Well
Patricia’s philosophy is simple: whole, minimally processed foods are the cornerstone of healthy aging.
She cautions against extremes — whether it’s carb-loading, protein powder fads, or energy bars that were never meant for people sitting at a desk. Instead, she emphasizes:
- Fiber first. High-fiber fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains keep the digestive system and gut microbiome strong.
- Protein for longevity. Older adults need consistent protein intake to preserve muscle mass and prevent frailty.
- Good fats matter. Naturally occurring fats from fish, avocado, olive oil, and nuts support heart and brain health, while trans fats wreak havoc.
- Red meat in moderation. Lean cuts in small portions may be fine, but plant-based proteins like soy, tofu, and beans are powerful anti-inflammatory allies.
Her motto? “It’s okay to eat chocolate — just the real stuff. A handful of dark chips with nuts beats a candy bar any day.”
Fitness After 60: Strong, Balanced, and Moving
Forget the myth that exercise is dangerous for older adults. According to Patricia, movement is medicine. But the type of movement matters.
- Weight training helps combat natural muscle loss that begins as early as 30.
- Balance and proprioception training prevents falls and keeps you steady as you move through the world.
- Walking is the ultimate exercise — low impact, accessible, and incredibly effective for digestion, mood, and cardiovascular health.
Her favorite “everyday test”? The sit-to-stand. If you can get up from a chair without using your arms, you’re on track.
The Overlooked Pillars: Sleep, Mindset, and Community
Patricia is blunt: sleep is non-negotiable. Seven to seven-and-a-half hours is the sweet spot, and skimping on rest compromises memory, healing, and overall well-being.
But healthy aging isn’t just about the body. Mindset, spirituality, and community are equally powerful. Loneliness, she warns, is “the new smoking” — as damaging to health as poor diet or lack of exercise.
Whether through faith communities, book clubs, pickleball groups, or simply chatting with strangers over coffee, connection reduces stress, boosts happiness, and even supports gut health.
Why “It’s Okay to Be Old”
Patricia’s latest book, It’s Okay to Be Old: Thoughtful Acceptance of Your Age, challenges stereotypes about aging while offering practical guidance for living fully in your later decades.
Her message? Aging isn’t something to fear. It’s something to embrace. Every line, every year, and every life experience adds depth to who you are. The key is to live thoughtfully — eating well, moving daily, resting deeply, and nurturing connections.
Final Thoughts
Talking with Patricia Greenberg was a reminder that aging isn’t about slowing down — it’s about leveling up. Whether you’re 60, 70, or 80, the choices you make about food, fitness, sleep, and community can shape the quality of your years ahead.
So, the next time you hear someone groan about getting older, remember Patricia’s advice: embrace it. Plan well, eat mindfully, keep moving, and find joy in connection. It really is okay to be old.