60+ minutes of exercise per day to maintain weight after age 50

[emily_in_nc]

Ever read the book Younger Next Year (or Younger Next Year for Women) ? Although the title is kind of off-putting (no, it's not about getting plastic surgery or looking like a kid again!), it has lots of very sound advice. The main message of this book is that people in their 50's and beyond really need to exercise 6 days a week for the rest of their lives, four days of which should be aerobic exercise. It's not about maintaining/losing weight, it's about maintaining muscle tone, balance, cognitive function and helping to slow down the inevitable biological decay that accompanies aging. Although the authors acknowledge that people who get off their butts and start exercising are apt to lose weight as well, especially if they also stop eating crap food.

This is an AWESOME book! At one point at work, all of us 50+ women (I was 49 at the time) were reading and discussing it.

Why a men and women's version? Because we're different. I don't have my copy here, but I remember it talking about some issues specific to women, including menopause and metabolism.

I recommend it to everyone 50+ or getting close to that milestone birthday. It's very motivating as well. I need to re-read!

I didn't mention in my above post that I have gained four lbs. or thereabouts since moving to Belize and becoming car-free. That is certainly counter-intuitive, no? But as I realize, too much heat and humidity are not the most conducive to vigorous physical activity (the locals move sloooooow and I fly past them on my bike!) And there are other issues at play here as well -- since moving here my cycle has gone from once every 20-27 days to once every 45-90 days, so there is hormonal stuff, my diet has changed (carbier here since meat is expensive and fruit is plentiful), and living in flat terrain, it's hard to get the heart pounding as on our hillier walks, hikes, and bike rides back in NC. And I also retired from my job, so my entire lifestyle has changed 180 degrees.

[SadieKate]

Why a men and women's version? Because we're different. I don't have my copy here, but I remember it talking about some issues specific to women, including menopause and metabolism.

Well, duh!

However, I always feel like separate books indicate something was left out of one which means that a mixed-gender household has to buy both books when the vast majority of info is covered in both books. When I see this I tend to shy sway as it seems like a marketing ploy.

[jobob]

Well, duh!

However, I always feel like separate books indicate something was left out of one which means that a mixed-gender household has to buy both books when the vast majority of info is covered in both books. When I see this I tend to shy sway as it seems like a marketing ploy.

I think the basic information conveyed in the original book is worthwhile both for me and for my husband. I didn't feel the need to run out and buy the woman's book as well.

[SadieKate]

Thanks, ma'am.

[Crankin]

I remember reading this book when it came out and I was closer to 50 than 60. My take is most of the people who post regularly here don't need to read this book! It's common sense. However, what they said was excellent, but it's geared toward what I call the "normal" population. My "normal" friends, even those who do some exercise, would say flat out they they couldn't do 60 minutes a day.

[jobob]

I agree with you somewhat, but personally I still got a lot out of the book. Guess I'm a slow learner. Or I constantly need reminders of basic concepts

[emily_in_nc]

I agree with you somewhat, but personally I still got a lot out of the book. Guess I'm a slow learner. Or I constantly need reminders of basic concepts

I agree jobob -- I got a lot out of it too. It covers a lot more than just exercise, and was a great motivator in the exercise department. Because my DH wasn't really interested in it, I am glad I got the women's version just for me, but YMMV. :-)

[tealtreak]

This is an AWESOME book! At one point at work, all of us 50+ women (I was 49 at the time) were reading and discussing it.

Why a men and women's version? Because we're different. I don't have my copy here, but I remember it talking about some issues specific to women, including menopause and metabolism.

I recommend it to everyone 50+ or getting close to that milestone birthday. It's very motivating as well. I need to re-read!

I didn't mention in my above post that I have gained four lbs. or thereabouts since moving to Belize and becoming car-free. That is certainly counter-intuitive, no? But as I realize, too much heat and humidity are not the most conducive to vigorous physical activity (the locals move sloooooow and I fly past them on my bike!) And there are other issues at play here as well -- since moving here my cycle has gone from once every 20-27 days to once every 45-90 days, so there is hormonal stuff, my diet has changed (carbier here since meat is expensive and fruit is plentiful), and living in flat terrain, it's hard to get the heart pounding as on our hillier walks, hikes, and bike rides back in NC. And I also retired from my job, so my entire lifestyle has changed 180 degrees.

This echoes my pet theory for over 50 fitness maintenance......intensity! My fav older mountain bikers all profess to the importance (along with strength training) of hitting it hard! The difference is more recovery (

http://www.bicycling.com/mountainbik...riding-forever

[Irulan]

This is an AWESOME book! At one point at work, all of us 50+ women (I was 49 at the time) were reading and discussing it.

Why a men and women's version? Because we're different. I don't have my copy here, but I remember it talking about some issues specific to women, including menopause and metabolism.

I recommend it to everyone 50+ or getting close to that milestone birthday. It's very motivating as well. I need to re-read!

I didn't mention in my above post that I have gained four lbs. or thereabouts since moving to Belize and becoming car-free. That is certainly counter-intuitive, no? But as I realize, too much heat and humidity are not the most conducive to vigorous physical activity (the locals move sloooooow and I fly past them on my bike!) And there are other issues at play here as well -- since moving here my cycle has gone from once every 20-27 days to once every 45-90 days, so there is hormonal stuff, my diet has changed (carbier here since meat is expensive and fruit is plentiful), and living in flat terrain, it's hard to get the heart pounding as on our hillier walks, hikes, and bike rides back in NC. And I also retired from my job, so my entire lifestyle has changed 180 degrees.

Just curious, have you ever thought about how much of that is bloat and water retention from the heat and climate? Every time we go to the Caribbean, I gain at least 6 pounds and lose it back within ten days of getting home. I know its bloat because of how things fit.

[Crankin]

JoBob, you're not a slow learner. You do a lot more than me.
Hey, I am not giving up my wine, for anything. I'm fitter and thinner since I started drinking a glass of red wine everyday. See, I can justify anything.

[emily_in_nc]

Just curious, have you ever thought about how much of that is bloat and water retention from the heat and climate? Every time we go to the Caribbean, I gain at least 6 pounds and lose it back within ten days of getting home. I know its bloat because of how things fit.

I would love for that to be the case but don't think so. We spent 16 days in the US this summer and I didn't lose any weight. Course I was enjoying Greek yogurt, berries, wine, and a lot of other things we can't get here! But I can tell I am flabbier in the tummy and love handle area than when we got here, so I think the weight gain is really fat gain. When we arrived I didn't feel too chubby in a bikini, now I do.

I agree with teaktreak about intensity being key. That's mostly what I'm missing here with the heat and lack of hills, I think. The heat/humidity ma kes me lazy, I admit it.