Welcome to StayingFitPastFifty.com

Why I’m Here (and Why You Should Be, Too)

If you’d asked me ten years ago what my fifties would look like, I probably would’ve painted a picture of myself hiking with my family, embarrassing my daughters on the dance floor at their weddings, and maybe even running a 10K or two. Definitely not writing a blog about fitness, health, and fighting off cancer. Yet here I am: fifty years old, still determined, learning as I go, and ready to invite you along for the ride.

So, who am I? I’m Dave Sadows. A regular guy with a not-so-regular sense of humor, a supportive streak a mile wide, and a stubborn determination to keep moving forward no matter what. I’m married to Tina, who’s my best friend and the undisputed CEO of our household. Tina is my rock. She keeps me honest, humble, and occasionally reminds me that sweatpants are not appropriate for every occasion. Then there are my two beautiful daughters, Brooklyn and Scarlet, who keep me both young at heart and painfully aware that I’m not as young as I once was. They definitely keep us busy, laughing, and we occasionally make them roll their eyes. If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a teenager’s “seriously, Dad?” look, then you know exactly what I mean.

Now, before you picture our household as some zen retreat where everyone calmly sips green smoothies, let me set the record straight. We’re a little nuts, in the best possible way. On top of two energetic daughters, we’ve got three dogs: Posey, Finn, and Luna. These pups have a combined energy level somewhere between a toddler on a sugar rush and a tornado. There’s never a dull moment – whether it’s Luna sneaking socks, Finn chasing squirrels and scaling fences like he’s training for the Olympics, or Posey trying to claim every couch cushion as her own. Add in two kids and a recovering (more on this in a minute) dad, and you’ve got a home that’s always in motion, always a bit chaotic, but always full of laughter, love, and the kind of excitement that makes every day an adventure.

Why I’m Starting This Blog

Let’s be honest: fitness advice for people our age is kind of a joke. Half of it assumes you’re ready to run an Ironman, and the other half treats you like you’re one misstep away from a full-body cast. The truth for most of us is somewhere in the middle. We want to stay active, enjoy life, and maybe even surprise our kids by keeping up with them on the basketball court. But we also have real challenges. Aches and pains, busy lives, and, sometimes, the kind of health curveballs that make you rethink everything.

Which brings me to the elephant in the room: my cancer diagnosis.

 

My Cancer Fight: The Real Story

A few months ago, I got the kind of news nobody wants. After a series of tests and some medical sleuthing, I was diagnosed with something called squamous cell carcinoma with unknown primary. In plain English, it means there were cancerous cells in my body, but the doctors couldn’t pinpoint where it originally started. Not exactly the highlight of my year. But here’s the good news: it turns out my prognosis is actually really strong. I’ve got a 90% chance that the cancer won’t be back in five years. Statistically speaking, those are pretty solid odds and about as good as it gets.

Right now, I’m five weeks into a seven-week treatment plan. That means I’m closer to the finish line than the starting line. I won’t lie to you. Cancer treatment is tough. I’m losing weight (and will likely lose more before I’m through), my energy isn’t what it used to be, and some days, the only “workout” I get is dragging myself out of bed. But my determination hasn’t wavered. In fact, it’s stronger than ever. I plan to rebuild, regain muscle, and get back to running my daughters around—maybe even embarrassing them by showing up at their events in actual workout gear.

Family: My Motivation and My Why

If you ask me what keeps me going, I’ll always give you the same answer: my family. Tina has been so strong throughout this journey. She’s the one making sure I’m getting enough calories (even when food doesn’t taste like much), encouraging me to rest when I need it, and reminding me that it’s okay to lean on others. Brooklyn and Scarlet, meanwhile, have given me countless reasons to smile, even on the toughest days. They’re the reason I want to not just survive, but thrive, and why I care so much about helping others do the same.

What You’ll Find Here

So, why should you stick around? What can you expect from StayingFitPastFifty.com?

Straightforward Advice.
No miracle cures, no complicated jargon, no “one weird trick.” Just real-world, practical advice on fitness, health, and wellness for guys (and gals) who want to stay active after fifty. I’ll share what’s working for me, what isn’t, and what the science actually says.

A Dash of Humor.
Let’s face it: if you can’t laugh at yourself while trying to touch your toes or remembering where you put your car keys (again), you’re missing out on half the fun. I promise to keep things light, honest, and maybe even a little bit entertaining.

Honest Stories.
The highs, the lows, and everything in between. I’ll talk about my own setbacks, from losing muscle during cancer treatment to the occasional struggle with motivation. I’ll also celebrate the wins, no matter how small. If you’ve ever spent fifteen minutes looking for your glasses only to realize they’re on your head, you’re in good company.

Community and Support.
One of my biggest goals is to make this site more than just a blog. I want it to be a real community. That’s why I’m adding a forum where you can ask questions, share your own stories, and connect with others who get it. Whether you want advice on meal planning, need motivation to get back into a routine, or just want to swap favorite healthy recipes, this is your space, too.

Why a Forum?

Here’s the thing I’ve learned: we’re stronger together. When I started telling people about my diagnosis, I was blown away by how many others had faced something similar or knew someone who had. The support, advice, and simple “Hey, you’ve got this” messages made a huge difference. I want you to have that, too.

The StayingFitPastFifty.com forum will be a place to:

• Ask for advice (no question is too small or too silly)
• Share your fitness wins and struggles
• Talk meal planning, recipes, and nutrition
• Connect with others who understand what you’re going through
• Find encouragement on the tough days and celebrate the victories on the good ones

I believe everyone deserves a place where they belong, and where they can get real answers from real people, not just generic advice from someone who hasn’t been there.

Looking Forward

I may be losing weight right now, and sure, I’m definitely not at my physical peak. But I’m more determined than ever to come back stronger, fitter, and maybe even a little wiser. And if I can do it, I know you can, too. Whether you’re recovering from an illness, trying to get back in shape after years away from the gym, or just looking for a place to connect with people who “get it,” you’re in the right place.

We’re all in this together, and I’m honored to have you here with me. So pull up a chair (but don’t get too comfortable!), say hello in the forum, and let’s get moving—one step, one meal, and one laugh at a time.

Stay strong, stay stubborn, and let’s show the world that life after fifty is just getting started.

—Dave