No matter how you structure the outside, it really is what's on the inside that counts

You spend time and money restructuring your body to fit into today's expectations of a young looking 50-year-old and what do you end up with? A body that is still 50. Plastic surgery, liposuction, tummy tucks, collagen treatments, tattooed eyebrows and Botox injections only hide the fact that your body still has years of wear.

Try to remember this fact when you hit the ski slopes, run a marathon or climb Mt. Whitney. The outside package might look great but inside is a body that needs consideration. Joints that had lots of cartilage at the age of 20 will have less now and those muscles that stretched easily at 20 have become less flexible as you aged.

Endurance will be less and the recovery time your body requires for extra curricular activities will take longer.

Your hard work to look younger isn't in vain. Self confidence, self esteem, and appearance are great results from your effort and that's an important part of feeling young.

But let us not forget to add exercise to the program. If you have included exercise in your life when you were 20, you are way ahead of the aging curve when you turn 50. Skin tone, circulation and muscle definition will be a whole lot better at 50 if you have been active while you aged.

Remember, you may look good on skis and in that swimsuit and still fit into your prom dress, but give a little thought to what you expect from your body now that you are older.

Maintaining your body in a general overall healthy condition is the most important. That means besides your liposuction take time to get a blood test and check your cholesterol. Have your oxygen level tested and, in between hair transplants, have your bone density tested.

You are not going to turn back the clock with any enhancing methods. Your inner body, lungs, heart, and skeletal frame are constantly aging, but they always benefit from exercise. The inner part of you will keep you going regardless of your outside appearance.

• Jerry Vance is owner of The Sweat Shop/Wet Sweat. She offers classes through Carson City Recreation and Aquatics Center and is a fitness instructor for the Carson City Senior Citizens Center.