Article - At 93, he’s as fit as a 40-year-old. His body offers lessons on aging

[carly]

Interesting article about Richard Morgan, a man who started exercising at 70. Yes genetics are probably a contributing factor, but still very encouraging those of us as we age.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/oth...ng/ar-AA1n3CkD

[FitBoop]

Thanks for posting the article, Carly.

[hch]

Thanks for posting. What I most noticed was that he hasn't stopped using challenging weight training or judicious amounts of intensity; these are two things that VFers (though probably not very recently) have implied people get too old to use.

[bubbles76]

Originally Posted by hch

Thanks for posting. What I most noticed was that he hasn't stopped using challenging weight training or judicious amounts of intensity; these are two things that VFers (though probably not very recently) have implied people get too old to use.

I've gotten older and I know that my knees can't handle it. I'm not even as old as this guy. It's possible he hasn't had to dial it down because he hasn't worked out as long as many VFers or as hard. Not taking away from his accomplishments. I just want to make it clear that I don't believe most VFers are implying that JUST because you reach a certain age that you should automatically stop. Just listen to your body. However, I wasn't here in the very early days of VF so maybe you noticed a change in tone that I haven't

[JackieB]

Originally Posted by hch

Thanks for posting. What I most noticed was that he hasn't stopped using challenging weight training or judicious amounts of intensity; these are two things that VFers (though probably not very recently) have implied people get too old to use.

There are a lot of factors to consider. One of my best friend's dh is 72 still doing Crossfit, lifting heavy, active and doing his outdoor nature photography. However, my friend has had to dial it down due to a knee injury.

I know plenty of people all ages who have to modify or change how they work out and it's not always due to age, etc. Fitness isn't one size fits all and probably the most important thing is to not compare (to others or to ourselves) and do what your body needs in this moment now.

[Leonana]

The article mentions that he has creaky knees and that his performance is less than it was 15 years ago, even 5 years ago. It also said that genetics is a factor as rowing prowess runs in his family.

They mentioned that he had a simple routine: consistency, easy/moderate/intense training, weight training, and high protein diet. His weight training was according to his ability, he did reps until his muscles were tired. Also, 70% of his training is easy, 20% is more intense but tolerable, and 10% is all out intensity. What I got out of the article was that consistency is key, whatever level you’re at.

[warriorprincess]

It is stories like this that keep me working hard!

[hch]

I do agree with multiple people that bodies differ--that's why I don't favor citing age as a categorical reason to stop doing certain exercise-related things without adequate evidence. (Yes, what I've seen on VF has been more "I don't do X anymore because of my age" instead of "people my age shouldn't do X," or "you shouldn't do X anymore because of your age," but the leap isn't large.)

Originally Posted by warriorprincess

It is stories like this that keep me working hard!

I also find these stories interesting. I'm wary about drawing personal or general recommendations from a single person's story, especially in a problematic way ("what's your excuse" and all that), but these stories can offer meta-lessons if we're careful. (Multiple VFers use signatures about preferring wearing to rusting As We Age, but can't I avoid both extremes? )

[Leonana]

I don’t think people at VF are saying they don’t do certain exercises because they are now a specific age. They don’t do the exercise because they can no longer do them without discomfort. And the discomfort is because of age. For example, I can no longer do high impact, it becomes painful. I might say I can’t do high impact because of age, but it’s because it has become painful as I’ve aged.

Hopefully, I’m making sense! If not, I’ll blame it on age lol.

[hch]

Originally Posted by Leonana

I don’t think people at VF are saying they don’t do certain exercises because they are now a specific age. They don’t do the exercise because they can no longer do them without discomfort. And the discomfort is because of age. For example, I can no longer do high impact, it becomes painful. I might say I can’t do high impact because of age, but it’s because it has become painful as I’ve aged.

I'd hope so: your example phrasing sounds like what I remember a few VFers using at times.