“The most important benefit of exercise in the elderly is that it will add years to your life, but it will definitely add to your life.”
Paula Todd, Fitness Network Registered Fitness Trainer and Geriatrics Specialist
“As you get older, the more muscle mass you have, the more you’ll fight the muscle wasting caused by sarcopenia, which occurs when you can’t tone and tone your muscles. I’m 50 years old and I’m a testament to the fact that if you lift weights, stretch, and eat organic, you can stay fit, strong, and amazing forever! “
Annette Spanski, creator of the 12-Week Anti-Aging Program Keeping Life Simple
“Bone health is essential to leading an active and healthy lifestyle. Bone health is something you don’t think about until you fall and break a bone. Statistics show that poor bone health affects 6.3 million Australians, leading to fractures, resulting in chronic pain, disability, and loss of independence … It’s really important to take specific steps every day to strengthen and maintain bones.”
“The best advice I give to my clients (those in their 30s to 70s) is to find something you enjoy doing. Your goal is important, and that goal should do something that makes you feel good and gives you more energy. There are so many options – I like Gyrotonics, Gyrokinesis, Pilates, Yoga, and on a nice day I like to ride my bike, ride 60km or just go for a walk around the bay. Do something that makes you feel good and that you enjoy!”
Dana Rader, Accredited Exercise Physiologist, Gyrotonics Melbourne
“To stay fit, we need to exercise in as many ways as possible every day. Walking for 15 or 20 minutes a day is the minimum, but to optimize physical activity, complement walking with regular strength, balance and stability exercises, stretching and mobility exercises. necessary. Find a form of exercise you enjoy and do it with a partner or friend… If you enjoy yourself, it’s not work and you might look forward to it.”
Paula Todd, Fitness Network Registered Fitness Trainer and Geriatrics Specialist
“Make exercise a part of your day – choose the same times and days of the week so you don’t forget and it fits into the rest of your week. It doesn’t have to be “slow and gentle” – every client is an individual, so work as hard as you can. Do it with friends and incorporate cardio and resistance training.”
Rob Hadley, Australian Fitness Institute National Master Trainer
“Be active every day, track your steps every day, focus on moving more and sitting less. Do resistance training twice a week to protect your bone health and maintain strength. Try doing balance exercises every day. Stand on one leg until the microwave turns off. Incorporate core stability exercises such as pilates or yoga to improve flexibility, address past injuries, and reduce back pain. Start small and gradually build into a regular routine. Look for group exercise classes to keep things fun and social. Ask an exercise physiologist for expert advice.”
Anna-Louise Moule, exercise physiologist specializing in working with people over 50, Balanced Bodies Lifestyle Clinic
“Whether we’re talking about nutrition, fitness, weight loss, mental health, social well-being, or anything related to general human health and wellness, I’ve learned one thing is undeniable—we’re all unique. Each of us is unique due to a combination of genetics and environment (epigenetics).Because of this, we all age differently and have different health and wellness needs after age 50. Therefore, general health advice may not apply to everyone. … Find out what works for you. An exercise plan, a certain diet, or a certain creative outlet may work wonders for your friend, partner, or cousin. But you’re not them, and what works for them may not work for you. Listen to your body, educate yourself and find out what works best for you.”
Matt Riemann, personal health expert and CEO, ph360
“You’re never too young or too old to protect your bones. If you do nothing, you will lose bone mass. The same types of exercises work for bones of any age, but the difference will be your ability level. Start slowly at a level you are comfortable and able to do, and increase the intensity as you get stronger. What level you start at also depends on your health.”
Donna Emerson, Personal Fitness Trainer specializing in group fitness and strength training for women over 50, Design Fit50
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that the older we get, the younger we get