"Embracing vigor isn't about clinging to youth. It's about pursuing wellness."
In my later years, reaching the brink of 90, I decided to join a bodybuilding club. You won't find any research on the subject of bodybuilding for octogenarians, so it's been a personal experiment. With weight-lifting and protein shakes, my body started transforming... I'm not on a quest for youthfulness. Instead, I'm after health. Many have been conditioned to believe that once you hit 65, it's all downhill. We're told that old age is an unavoidable state of decline, and that we should slow down, retire, and prepare for our inevitable end. I fundamentally disagree. To me, a 65-year-old is young. This year, I celebrate my 92nd birthday.
Bodybuilding and regular physical activity have considerable impacts on the health of individuals over 80, as demonstrated by my personal experience. Exercise helps maintain muscle mass and strength, which are essential for preventing falls and functional decline associated with aging[1]. Even in our 90s, individuals who continue training can retain a considerable amount of muscle mass and functionality, just like their younger counterparts[1].
Regular physical activity, including endurance and strength training, can significantly improve fitness and overall well-being. It decreases fatigue, reduces pain, and allows elderly individuals to perform activities of daily living (ADL) more comfortably, even in the face of age-related disabilities[1].
While vigorous physical activity carries some risk of injury, it's imperative to approach exercise in a way that maximizes benefits while minimizing risks, especially for the elderly and disabled[1].
The examples of elderly athletes, like a 91-year-old bodybuilder and a 90-year-old TikTok fitness inspiration, underscore the importance of continuous exercise in aging gracefully[2][3]. With dedication and consistent training, individuals can maintain their physical health and even compete at high levels well into their 80s and 90s[1].
In conclusion, bodybuilding and regular physical activity can help individuals over 80 maintain muscle mass, improve physical functioning, and reduce the risk of injury and functional decline. Inspiring stories from elderly athletes serve as a testament to the benefits of continuous exercise in aging gracefully.
Quotes from elderly athletes often emphasize the importance of maintaining mental health during physical training, stating that it's not just about physical strength but also mental resilience. My team at the bodybuilding club regularly discusses the role of mental health in our fitness journey. Inspirational quotes from other mental health advocates remind us that our minds should be our strongest asset, even as our bodies age.
The camaraderie within my team has been a source of support for my mental health journey. Sharing our experiences and challenging each other to overcome our limitations has helped us grow personally and mentally. Bodybuilding, in many ways, is a metaphor for life—it's about pushing past your limits, taking care of yourself, and never giving up.
Incorporating mental health practices, such as mindfulness and meditation, into our team's exercise routine has further enhanced our overall well-being. Regular exercise, mental health awareness, and team support have been crucial components to reinforcing my personal belief that one can age gracefully while maintaining mental and physical health.
