NYT article on exercise and aging

[indysteel]

Just read this article on the effect exercise/training has on aging:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/31/he...ad3&ei=5087%0A

[mimitabby]

that was a good article, thanks

[Thorn]

Fascinating. Thanks for the link.

[RoadRaven]

Good article
Thanks for linking us to it
A bit of inspiration here too for those of us starting late in our fitness/exercise committments (like me starting at 40ish).

[emily_in_nc]

Excellent article -- thanks! I just started running last year, at 46. I have no desire to race or run marathons, but it's rewarding and fun taking up a new sport and finding that I can improve with training even at my (relatively) advanced age. It's still a lot harder than cycling or hiking, but I enjoy it. I like that it is good for my bones, and I feel excellent after a run! I plan to keep on running and cycling as long as my body can take it.

It's so sad to me that my mom (in her 70s) won't even take walks, and as a result, she's really starting to slow down and show her age a lot more. She thinks it's too late to do anything to improve or to feel better. She's wrong, but she won't listen to me as she thinks I'm just an exercise fanatic, and what works for me couldn't possibly apply to someone like herself. This article shows it's never too late to start -- but if I sent it to her, it would just piss her off. I've tried many times before, but I've finally given up.

Emily

[Crankin]

The article was really interesting, but made me feel like a wimp....
I guess I should stop concentrating on how far I ride and think about how hard I ride.

[Wahine]

The article was really interesting, but made me feel like a wimp....
I guess I should stop concentrating on how far I ride and think about how hard I ride.

Actually Robyn, I would say that is not a good idea for you right now. You're still recovering (correct me if I'm wrong, I don't remember all the details) and intense exercise is more likely to put you back into that weird fatigue cycle than 60 to 70% effort right now. When your other stuff is better. Then you can ride hard. But it is true that including hard efforts in your workouts becomes increasing important as you get older.

I met a 108 year old masters swimming once. He always won his events. His advice: "If you can't beat them, out-live them."

[RoadRaven]

I met a 108 year old masters swimming once. He always one his events. His advice: "If you can't beat them, out-live them."

This has to go on one of my tee-shirts!
Love it

[Trek420]

It's so sad to me that my mom (in her 70s) won't even take walks, and as a result, she's really starting to slow down and show her age a lot more. She thinks it's too late to do anything to improve or to feel better. She's wrong, but she won't listen to me as she thinks I'm just an exercise fanatic, and what works for me couldn't possibly apply to someone like herself.

That is sad. Does she live nearby? Can you go for a walk with her?

It is sad that for many women in our parents generation athletic and outdoor activities is not the norm. Showing her how walking as part of what she does now can be pleasant can help. Not to over generalize but can you walk to a store or out to lunch together?

Take her out for a good time that is her idea of a good time but with a short walk and she may see that even a little helps and that it is fun to walk and talk with you. She may find others her age who enjoy it.

Duck on Wheels and I are lucky that our mutual 85 year old Mom saw ahead when she moved from a 3 acre place in the country to a smaller place in town she knew she'd be getting less exercise. The remainder of the farm was just too much to handle alone. She chose a place near town, on a path and frequently walks to the store or to run some errands. She's told me that she feels a little "off" if she does not walk daily. There are times she can't work in the garden because of weather, maybe the soil is too soggy to cultivate or plant in yet she can still get a walk in.

I can't begin to imagine how it is for her to have lost a partner of 62 years and be living alone and independently but I think walking, and seeing the hills they both loved lifts her spirits.

She inspires me each day in my training.

It's not about living forever because nobody gets out of this alive but a proactive stance towards your health can give you quality of life .... longer. It's about being able to open the peanut butter jar. Not just living to see her first great grandchild as being able to lift him when he wants to come up and "see gland'ma"

She now needs help to haul the 30lb pumpkin she raised into the kitchen. But I'm thankful each day that she raises that pumpkin in the first place.

I'm aware it may have spared her many of the problems many elderly face long before her age. It may be what's enabled her to continue to be such an activist, participating in a peace vigil each week and so on.

And selfishly, her pumpkin bread is very good

Pictured below Mom attempts to "dead lift" the pumpkin which ultimately my niece at left picked up.

[OakLeaf]

But it is true that including hard efforts in your workouts becomes increasing important as you get older.

Oh, good, another thing to look forward to.

Hot flashes, support hose, and more intervals.

[KnottedYet]

Oh, good, another thing to look forward to.

Hot flashes, support hose, and more intervals.

Hot flashes: check.
Support hose: check. (but I only wear them when I fly or when my leg hurts)
Intervals: what the heck is that?!?!

[Trek420]

Can we start a "geek athlete retirement home"?

See y'all in the rest home. Last one in the wheelchair race buys beer

[kelownagirl]

On a related note, if you haven't read "'Younger Next Year: for Women' By Chris Crowley, get it out of the library. It's straightforward, funny, and makes a lot of sense. My favourite recommendation is "Don't eat crap."

They say we need to do 45 minutes of vigorous exercise 5 times a week (I think) and strength training 2-3 times a week.

One of the things I really like about the the book is that he's a cyclist.

Here's a link to the website.

http://www.youngernextyear.com/

[DirtDiva]

Can we start a "geek athlete retirement home"?

See y'all in the rest home. Last one in the wheelchair race buys beer

w00t! Kerb hucks!

[KnottedYet]

"Don't Eat Crap." Words to live by! Ok, if this guy writes straightforward funny stuff like that, now I'll HAVE to read his book!