How Old Are You When You're Old?
I am 57. My kid says I’m really old. My friends who are the same age as I am call themselves old, and they complain a lot about aches and pains. I don’t think I’m old. I weight-train, run, cycle, swim, play tennis and basketball. I still feel like I did 25 years ago - give or take a twinge here and there. I feel like I can compete with anyone at any age.
Am I delusional? Let’s see what science has to say.
By Earl Salzman
First of all, there is no doubt that we decline with age. Our hearts and lungs are not as efficient at processing oxygen, which slows our ability to run, swim or cycle. Our muscles lose power. Our bodies recover from exercise and heal more slowly. Our eyesight isn’t as good, so our reactions are not as quick.
That’s the bad news. We’re definitely losing ground.But there are some startling statistics as to how fast the rate of decline has to be, and what we can do to slow it down. According to Masters Athletics, an advocacy group for older athletes, your athletic endurance peak is between 30 and 35. You are still 90% as durable at 50, and 80% as capable at 65. Also, no matter what age you start training, you will get the same relative improvement as someone younger. Translation: You can start training at any age in running, cycling or any endurance sport and you have the potential to be only a couple of minutes behind the youngsters. And if they’re not in shape, look out!
What about strength? After age 50, you lose about 10% of your muscle fibers per decade. The good news is that proper strength training can completely negate these natural ageing effects. Start at any age and turn back the clock on your muscular strength!
So why do so many middle-aged people feel and act old? The answer is a sedentary lifestyle. If you don’t use it, the body will lose it. If you’ve been inactive for 40 years instead of 20, it stands to reason that your endurance and strength will be a fraction of what they once were. Don’t confuse unhealthy habits with age deterioration. Start exercising regularly and include endurance and strength training. The energizing effects are virtually instantaneous and you will open the door to a new vital you! Remember: “You don’t stop playing when you get old . . . you get old when you stop playing!” - Anonymous Master Athlete
Earl Salzman is a Markham-based Certified Personal Trainer and educator, providing one-on-one and group training to private and corporate clients. Contact: 416-529-7173 or muscleandmusic@rogers.com
2600 John Street, Unit 207, Markham, ON L3R 3W3 T: 905.475.5222 F: 905.475.6369
