50-somethings who are fitter than in their 20s
A recent poll showed that 50-somethings were exercising more and eating better now than they did in their 20s. Researchers suggest that without the demands of raising a young family, older adults can devote more free time to looking after their health. In fact 70% of respondents reported working out more than they did in their youth. A better awareness of the importance of a healthy lifestyle helped some respondents to feel even more energetic in their 50s than at their 20s.
Louise Withy, from Engage Mutual, the company that sponsored the poll said the study showed many perceptions of older people were outdated. She said: “It’s great that so many people feel so fit in their fifties and above. It challenges many of the preconceptions around ageing and is good news when we consider that in light of increased life expectancy, many more of us will be spending a larger proportion of our life ‘over 50′.”
Below are three older adults who also challenge preconceptions around aging and show that you can be fit at any age.
Helen Mirren Voted Body of the Year
Photo by Caroline Bonarde Ucci
A recent poll by LA Fitness awarded 66-year-old Helen Mirren with the Body of the Year award. She beat out supermodels like 48-year-old Elle Macpherson and actresses half her age like Kelly Brook and Cheryl Crow. LA Fitness marketing director, Tony Orme, said: “It’s great to see the public celebrating bodies of all shapes and sizes, and proving that you really can look fabulous over 40 and 50.” Photos of Helen Mirren on the beach in a bikini in 2008 showed off her great figure.
Man Beats His Own Record in Ultramarathon
Running 217km is tough at any age, under any circumstances. But 75-year-old, Jack Denness, managed to complete the course in 59 hours in the middle of summer in Death, Valley California; known as one of the hottest places on the earth. It’s no wonder the Badwater Ultramarathon is called the “world’s toughest footrace.” Denness started the race on a Monday morning and didn’t finish until midnight on Wednesday. During the three days he only slept a few hours and kept his energy up with sports drinks, energy bars, nuts and dried fruit provided by his support team.
Denness already held the record for oldest person to complete the Badwater Ultramarathon at age 70. Since starting to run at age 45, after quitting smoking, he has run over 150 marathons. While racing he raised over $150,000 for charities like the Cerebal Palsy Care.
The Iron Nun Planning To Challenge Her Own Record
Already the female world-record holder for oldest woman to complete an Ironman Triathlon at age 79, Sister Madonna Buder is planning to challenge her own record on August 28th at the Subaru Ironman Canada course in Penticton, BC. The challenging course includes a 3.8km swim, followed by a 180km bike ride and running a full marathon (42.2km). We wrote about Sister Madonna Buder last year when she tried to beat her record but was unable to because of a wet suit issue. Having just turned 81 she is optimistic for this race in spite of suffering hypothermia in 3 important races last year. We wish her the best!
Do you find you have more time for exercise now that you’re older?
Do you know of any inspiring older adults in the news or important news for the 50+ population? Let us know in the comments or email us at info@impowerage.com.
