“Stand up straight!” “Stop slouching!” We all used to hear that as children, right? It’s even more important now, later in life. Parents might tell their kids to correct their posture more to instill pride and project confidence. But good posture is about a lot more at this stage of life. As we age, our
Here’s a universal story about the power of exercise and friendship, even if it involves circumstances, locations and activities most people might never do. Exercising with a group helps ensure success. And sometimes, nothing’s more important than good friends. That’s what Diane Firmani has learned in recent years. “Being in a group appeals to me
A massive study made headlines by concluding that not exercising is worse for your health than smoking and diabetes. But many readers over 50 will be glad to know that the study also has a huge age-related finding: The spectacular benefits of exercise have no age limit. “Whether you’re in your 40s or your 80s,
Howard Snooks had it all. At 66, he was retired from a career as a social worker, married and healthy. Then in 2015, Howard’s wife of 34 years left him. Several family members died. And he had a hip replacement after a fall. “Kablooey,” he says. After that rough year, Howard came upon a newspaper
India Bridgette is a professor in the course titled “What’s Possible?” The 61-year-old champion sprinter and former Marine knows it takes discipline to answer that question and to excel at anything. She recently added strength training to that answer, too – for everyone, no matter what age, lifestyle, or fitness goals. Working out with weights
A motto can be effective for anyone trying to get in shape. Angela Staab uses one you’ve heard before or seen on T-shirts. But she also has come up with her own bit of advice and encouragement: “You can’t be a slug.” Now almost 80, she has used it to motivate her through life as
Ever heard someone say something like this? “Oh, he’s a very handsome man for his age.” What about: “I don’t like waiting on old people because they’re so tight with their money.” These are all part of the persistent myths attached to people over 50. But like many myths, they’re wrong when it comes to
The holidays are a great opportunity for “quality time” between grandparents and grandkids. And that includes physical activity. In fact, all year long, people over 50 say that being strong for their grandchildren is their No. 1 reason for staying fit – or for wanting to get fit in the first place. Being an active
Fitness goals drive Jerry Mathis. They compel him to accomplish athletic feats that most people wouldn’t attempt – let alone most people who are 76 years old. “If I just went to the gym to exercise without also having a goal in mind, I’m not sure how much progress I would make – in my
Here are more of the questions we’re often asked about exercise after age 50. Let us know of any other questions you have! We are happy to answer them. Question: Is it better at my age to run or lift weights? Answer: Fitness offers more than just those two choices. The goal is to find