Physical transformations coach and expert José Ruiz argues that the human body undergoes a distinct physiological shift after the age of 35. Muscle mass decline, strength reduction, and mobility changes quietly begin during this decade, slowly altering daily life long before individuals notice.
The Shift From Summer Aesthetics to Longevity at 35
Ruiz states that after 35, you shouldn’t be training for next summer. You should be training to arrive at 70 strong.
Rather than chasing societal ideals like defining your abs
or filling out your T-shirt, Ruiz urges a pivot toward long-term physical capability. True strength training prepares the body for carrying a suitcase without pain to playing with your children or grandchildren.
Redefining Fitness for Decades of Independence
Routine limitations often creep up unnoticed. Ruiz explains that you start thinking less about impressing someone on holiday and more about having energy 30 years from now.
Maintaining muscle mass directly supports physical function, bone health, and independence. Strength training equips the body for hundreds of small physical demands over a lifetime. Visible abs, Ruiz notes, can easily coexist with poor sleep, stress, or unsustainable habits, proving that looking healthy isn’t necessarily the same as being physically capable.
Starting Strength Training Past 40 and Beyond
It is never too late to begin building a functional physique. Ruiz says that I’ve seen people start at 45, 55, and even over 60.
Focusing on the person you want to be at 70 changes everything. Ruiz adds that the best physique isn’t necessarily the one that attracts the most attention on the beach. It’s the one that allows you to keep doing the things you want to do for decades.
Southern California Power Outages and Emergency Planning
In Southern California, power outages tied to extreme weather present immediate safety concerns. Diane Castro of Southern California Edison urges residents to plan for the unique needs you and your loved ones may have.
Essential preparations include signing up for emergency alerts and packing a go-bag with medical and pet supplies. An emergency kit should feature nonperishable food, water, cash, flashlights, batteries, a fire extinguisher, and a hand-crank radio. Castro also advises keeping car gas tanks at least half full, plotting escape routes, and learning how to manually open electric garage doors or gates.
Surviving the Storm: Safety Protocols During Outages
During an active outage, Castro instructs residents to unplug and turn off everything to avoid power surges and to leave one light on to know when power returns.
Southern California Edison supplies free portable backup batteries for individuals living in high-risk fire zones or relying on electric medical devices. The utility also advises residents—especially those in elevator-equipped buildings—to notify emergency services and electricity providers of specific needs.
Crucially, the utility warns against driving through standing water, entering water near fallen lines, or touching downed power lines due to severe electrocution risks. In the event of an electrocution, the CDC warns responders to look first. Don’t touch. The person may still be in contact with the electrical source.
Call 911, cut the power if safe to do so, and use nonconducting objects to move the source away before checking breathing, checking pulses, and administering CPR. Additionally, Southern California Edison highlights the value of keeping your landline—[which] will likely work during a power outage.