Healthy Aging

Getting older does not have to mean becoming weak or giving up the activities someone has been passionate about over the course of their life.  Staying physically active can enable Elders to stay involved in their family and community life for as long as possible.

There are many awesome examples of active elders who prove it is possible to stay physically active well after retirement.

Fauja Singh ran his first marathon at age 89, and holds the current record time of 5 hours 40 minutes for the over-90 age division.  In an interview, Singh said, “I do not consider myself to be old. From the moment I do that, I would lose everything, because age is a state of mind – as long as you’re positive, you can do anything.”  He was featured recently in an Adidas ad that emphasizes the abilities of older people.

Competitive Sports

A recent NPR story focused on two brothers in their 80s that still swim competitively.  Mr. Tatum said, “One of the things I’d like to let you know – that I still have the ability, you know. In fact, if you can still swim at 89, it gives you the sense that you’re still doing all right. You don’t feel your age, you know, at that level.”  Check out the rest of their story here.

Staying Active

Here’s Ruth, a nearly 100 year old woman who exercises regularly to keep herself healthy and happy.

These amazing elders demonstrate how staying active can improve the experiences of aging.  But even Elders who aren’t famous, competitive athletes can reap great benefits from regular exercise.  Grace is one example; check out her story here.

Physical Activity

Many of our sites for FYSOP have physical activity programs, ranging from stretching, yoga, and even Zumba classes!  Regular exercise can reduce the declines in mobility traditionally associated with aging, while also improving mood and self-confidence.  Studies have shown that “there is no age limit to the benefits of exercise.”

One of our speakers for Education Day is Joan Green, who teaches a workshop called “Dancing for Absolutely Everybody” which she teaches to many groups of people who are not normally involved in dance, including elders.  She will do a version of her workshop for us on Education Day, and will also explain her activities and how they benefit the people she works with.  Check out her website here!

Here’s another great audition video from some very active elders who have continued to dance throughout their lives.

Advanced Style

Advanced Style is one of our favorite blogs.  It features elders who have continued to express their varied personal styles through their fashion choices.  Check out the video interviews for a great example of how some elders have really embraced their age and incorporated it into their personal styles!

Additional Sources

http://sikhchic.com/our_heroes/sikhs_in_the_city_londons_marathon_fathers

http://www.physsportsmed.org/doi/10.3810/psm.1997.09.1516