A record 11,978 athletes from around the world just wrapped up the Huntsman World Senior Games in Utah. The event has been held since 1987 for athletes 50 and over in everything from track and field to bowling, from basketball to disc golf, and from softball to triathlon. Those 12,000 people represent the growing enthusiasm
Look at the people in this photo collage. What do they have in common? They all exercise at a gym regularly – and they’re all well over 50 years old. They are living proof that the spectacular benefits of fitness have no age limit. “Whether you’re in your 40s or your 80s, you will benefit
People used to say you could learn about someone’s character by the firmness of a handshake. Now, research tells us that grip strength can also be an indicator of how long you might live. And it’s not the only everyday way to get a glimpse into longevity. Studies also say we can learn about our
You might not associate workouts with intimacy. But with September designated as World Sexual Health Month, it’s a good time to consider how much it helps. Among men and women alike, higher levels of aerobic exercise can improve sexual performance, stamina, and desire, according to one study. And more exercise brings more benefit. For example,
In the 32 years since September was designated Healthy Aging Month, organizers say negative stereotypes about getting older are diminishing. “Of course, there are still stereotypes about older adults,” said Carolyn Worthington, president of Healthy Aging, the multimedia platform promoting the month. “Perhaps the baby boomers embracing aging like no other generation started turning the
You’ve heard “Stand up for your rights,” but how about, “Stand up for your LIFE”? Too much sitting has been identified as a health hazard in recent years, particularly among mature adults. It has been blamed for increasing the risk of cancer, heart disease, diabetes and premature aging, as well as cognitive decline. A byproduct
Need a reason to smile? Here’s one. Everybody wants a miracle cure for everything that ails them. And no less than the New York Times proclaimed in a headline, “Closest Thing to a Wonder Drug? Try Exercise.” We agree! “Of all the things we as physicians can recommend for health, few provide as much benefit
It used to be conventional wisdom that everybody wanted to retire to Florida or another sunny spot, find a comfortable place to sit and… wait for life to wind down. Today’s active agers aren’t settling for that. Sure, some people want a slow pace and lots of sunshine. But we’re also looking at other criteria
Here’s a common exercise question, followed by a helpful explanation. “Why do you sometimes have us twist our bodies while we’re also moving forward? Or lift our arms in front while lunging to the side?” You see, fitness isn’t just about doing one thing at a time, like lifting a weight now and then running
In the world of older woman taking control of their health, Vera is a myth-busting superstar. She works out several times a week with weights, machines, and cardio to stay strong and flexible in retirement. She’s remarkable for doing what should be less remarkable in our society: Exercising regularly to improve her health and quality