It’s the time of year when everyone wants to build new habits, and “getting in shape” is always one of the most popular New Year resolutions. I love it, of course, and welcome everyone who’s starting this month – and all the returning friends who are back for more strength, endurance, and agility.
Read MoreIt’s easy to think of aging as a steady decline. But fitness proves it doesn’t have to be that simple and dreadful. If you exercise regularly, you’re more likely to maintain physical abilities. Period. So think of it as a sliding scale – with physical dependence at one end and being an elite athlete on the other. Nobody wants to be physically dependent, of course. And while most of us don’t aspire to be an elite athlete, everybody wants something in the broad middle there. We want to be fit so we can stay independent and avoid becoming frail for as long as possible.
Read MoreHere’s a gift from the world of science to anyone thinking about whether exercise and aging go together.
If you’re afraid to try strength training, or if you think you’re too old or too banged up or too fragile… well, think again. A new study found that people in their 60s, 70s and beyond can start lifting weights, quickly make significant improvements, and improve their strength, health and mobility. What’s more, the study found that weightlifting is good for people in their 80s and 90s.
Read MoreWhen Pat moved to a new town in her 60s, she quickly visited the local animal shelter to volunteer. Pat always has been an animal-lover, and she thought volunteering would be a good way to meet people and learn about the community.
Read MoreFifteen years ago, Alan Rosenthal was a fit 60-year-old who had just returned from a bicycle trip through France. Then a blood test revealed type 2 diabetes. His doctor gave him a three-day course on diet, exercise, and self-care. The doctor also recommended a local trainer. And even though Alan knew his way around a gym, he adopted a new perspective and learned workouts to keep him healthy.
Read MoreIn this “scary” season, let’s talk about fear. The fear that keeps you from improving your health and quality of life. The fear of starting your fitness journey or, if you’re already on it, the fear of pushing yourself to new heights. It can keep you frozen in your tracks worse than Dracula or the wolfman.
Read MoreDo you want to live a longer, healthier life? Then I have a show for you.
The idea of blue zones was popularized by author Dan Buettner in his book, “The Blue Zones: 9 Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who’ve Lived the Longest.” He discovered five places in the world where have greater longevity and happy, healthy lives past 100.
When it comes to fitness over 50, some topics are just timeless and deserve our constant attention. These four subjects are not only relevant but also crucial, whether you're considering starting a fitness routine or you're already on your fitness journey.
Read MoreRoy Englert survived not only World War II in the Navy, but he also survived being part of the historic D-Day invasion. Decades later, he’s also managed to become just one of two competitors to participate in all the National Senior Games, which have been held every two years, essentially, since 1987.
Read MoreWhy should you work out regularly?
For big muscles? To lose weight? To beat your brother-in-law at golf? Sure, all of those are good reasons for some people. But what about working out so you are better prepared for the activities of everyday life, like carrying in groceries and putting them up? Like having the stamina for a busy day of errands and grandkids? Or climbing up and down the stairs without getting winded?
Read MoreJudy Young has been swimming since she was a child. But this year was her first time competing at the National Senior Games. Judy, of Youngstown, New York, is 97. She underwent two surgeries last year and says swimming helped her recover. She’s dedicated to remaining active and enjoying her life.
Read MoreHere’s a “good news, bad news” situation. The good news: More people over 65 are exercising than ever before. The bad news: The percentage of mature adults who are physically active remains low – so low, in fact, that the US government calls it a “public health concern.” I couldn’t agree more. I’m doing everything I can to change that here in our community. But we need YOU to make the biggest impact – for yourself and your family.
Read MoreMost people probably know that physical exercise is good for their health. But now, a new study makes the connection even more powerful. If you’ve been waiting for One More Piece of Evidence to convince you to exercise, this might be it. Meeting guidelines for aerobic and muscle-strengthening exercise cuts the risk of dying from flu and pneumonia almost in half – by 48%, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.
Read MoreSome people are motivated to get strong and stay fit by one or two reasons. Among the most common for people over 50? Playing with grandkids, traveling, maintaining physical autonomy, and continuing to enjoy their favorite activities. Susan Kupferberg, 65, has all of those and more motivating her quest to get strong and stay fit.
Read MoreFalling is a major fear about growing older – and it’s a leading cause of injury and death among mature adults. It's also a common problem for people who don't yet consider themselves “old” in the traditional sense.
But it is not inevitable. Here are the top five ways to prevent falling, according to fitness, health and aging experts.
With so much pressure to look a certain way (usually thin and young for women), how can we maintain positive self-esteem and health at the same time? Wouldn’t it be nice to be at peace with your body image? Counselor and nutrition expert Nina Manolson says it’s especially difficult for women, and even more so later in life.
Read MoreWe’re halfway through the year, and it’s a great time to assess progress on health, fitness, and other goals you had at the start of 2023. Or… maybe you didn’t have any and are only thinking about creating some goals now. That’s fine! With a new season upon us, we’re here with 23 tips to make this your sunniest yet. Forget regret. Abandon perfection. Embrace consistency!
Read MoreHere’s further proof that exercise is good for us, body and brain alike. In recent months, research has been published showing that exercise is the “top theoretical treatment” for Alzheimer’s disease, aligning with previous research about how it fights dementia. Moderate physical activity among mature women helps lower the risk of cognitive impairment and dementia – again supporting the growing body of evidence that says physical exercise is also among our best defenses against losing mental health.
Read MoreWhat type of grandparent do you want to be? The strong and healthy kind that plays with the grandkids, even learning new sports later in life? Or the frail, retreating kind that sits and watches, instead? Well, we all know which we would rather be: strong and healthy, right? Strength makes all the difference as we age. We all lose muscle as we age unless we practice resistance training to maintain muscle. Without it, we get to the point where we simply can’t do much of anything.
Read MoreAt every stage in life, physical health is tied to mental health. When we feel good physically, we’re more likely to feel good mentally, as well. And with dementia, depression, anxiety, and loneliness higher among people later in life, this is one more reason to get or stay physically fit. The World Health Organization has six tips for good mental health, and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Four of WHO’s reasons are clearly connected to physical fitness.
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