Happy Birthday Mrs.T!
One of my online clients recently celebrated her 66th birthday. Though she easily looks 10 years younger (and will tell you so, LOL) she only recently started to address her issues with exercise and diet. She started off at a estimated weight of 195 lbs and 2 months later, she’s down to 173 lbs and wears a size 14-16. In her words: “I never thought that would happen.”
Next up on her menu is to join a gym and go, and I couldn’t be more proud of her. It truly is NEVER too late to start.
I write this of course, not just from the perspective of a trainer, but also that of a daughter. We’re all aware that the elderly are more at risk for falls, aches and pains in the joints, and loss of muscle mass over time (hey this happens once you hit age 30! that’s present company included!). After the age of 65 years, 30% of people fall at least once a year. And sadly, many myths still pervade to this day about what elderly clients can or can’t do in the gym. Personal trainers will try to avoid elderly populations, and many elderly clients feel like gentler activities (e.,g., yoga, meditation) are their only options.
Elderly clients, because they have more flexible work schedules, tend to actually have less issues with compliance and scheduling, and I’ve found that they’re often the easiest to people to meet with a train. The nice thing is, studies show that a mere 20-30 minutes of strength training 2 to 3 times per week, had positive effects on risk factors for cardiovascular disorders, cancer, diabetes, and osteoporosis. You don’t have to take my word for it; just pop on over to the extensive research articles at a site like www.lef.org or take a look Ernestine Shepherd’s physique, the oldest female competitive bodybuilder at age 74. Hey, I wouldn’t mind looking like her now!
Physical activity can lead to an increase in, or reduction in the loss of, bone density, particularly in elderly postmenopausal women (mom, are you reading?). And as I pointed out earlier, physical activity that we might typically associate with elderly clients (walking, yoga, tai-chi, water aerobics) are all fine options, but far more benefits can be obtained with programs that incorporate resistance training, balance, flexibility, and even endurance. In fact, that message probably applies to all of us. The key is to train with intensity.
Chances are you know someone who is elderly, or you’re the child of ageing parents. It really is hard as a child to watch them age, and to do so in pain is worse. But like I stated earlier, it’s NEVER too late to start. I know that Mrs. T and a handful of my other “elderly” clients intend to age gracefully, in large part to their attention to healthy eating and positive lifestyle and fitness habits.
So, Happy Birthday Mrs. T, and get to the gym, didja hear?
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