Athletic at Any Age!
Reported October 09, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (Ivanhoe Newswire) — We’ve all heard the challenge, “be fit over 50” — but what about fit over 65? Experts say up to 75 percent of elderly adults are missing out on the health benefits of exercise. Three athletes prove it’s possible to stay in the game — even into your 90s.
For 90-year-old Henry Cleaveland, 81-year-old Jim Boyette and 68-year-old Beth Gerber, age is no obstacle.
Boyette started barefoot waterskiing 36 years ago.
“I’m one of only two people that have competed in every national tournament since 1978,” Boyette told Ivanhoe.
The thrill of accomplishment, the camaraderie of his team, and the feel of the water have kept him behind a boat — even in the face of injuries and aging muscles.
“I enjoy feeling a feeling of freedom,” Boyette said.
So does 68-year-old recreational athlete Beth Gerber.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are,” Gerber told Ivanhoe. “Just keep doing stuff.”
On her bike and on the court, Gerber feels 30 years younger than her age — and just as competitive as she’s always been.
“You tend to get a little slower, but the people you play with tend to get younger, so it keeps you going,” she said.
A week after having his second pacemaker surgically implanted, Cleaveland, a record-holding swimmer, was back in the water.
“I never go anywhere without a swimming suit,” Cleaveland told Ivanhoe.
New guidelines suggest the elderly should engage in moderate aerobic exercise 30 minutes per day, five days per week; eight to 10 strength training exercises two to three times per week; and stretching for about 10 minutes daily.
“You don’t have to quit just because your body doesn’t do what it used to do,” Cleaveland said.
He certainly won’t be quitting anytime soon — his next goal is to reach 95, and then break more records.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
American Heart Association
http://www.americanheart.org
American College of Sports Medicine
http://www.acsm.org
International Council on Active Aging
http://www.icaa.cc/