Aging By Default or By Intention

Healthy Lifestyle | Fitness Over 50

When LC came to me eight years ago, in her late seventies, she was recovering from cancer treatment and struggling with poor physical and mental health. Her strength, posture, balance, and stamina had all suffered. Despite this, LC was determined to rebuild her body. Together, we designed a weekly one-hour exercise program combining strength training, cardio, and balance drills—all aimed at restoring her health and improving her physical function.

Now, eight years later, the results are remarkable. I recently watched LC confidently and steadily descend a flight of stairs—a feat that is often challenging for people her age. This stood in stark contrast to my 74-year-old employee, who needed assistance from both me and my daughter just to navigate a single stair at a volleyball match.

The key difference? While my employee stays generally active, she hasn’t engaged in consistent strength training or addressed the specific physical declines that come with aging. LC’s program was intentional and focused, targeting the common challenges of growing older.

This contrast illustrates a vital truth: we can either age by default or age with intention. Healthy living and a targeted fitness approach allow us to preserve our bodies—our greatest assets—and thrive in our later years. Meeting someone in their 80s or 90s who moves and feels decades younger is often the result of such purposeful fitness, reflecting a younger biological age.

Many seniors tell me, “I don’t want to be a bodybuilder, I just want to keep what I have.” This is a reasonable goal. Aging naturally brings reduced power, coordination, speed, and reflexes, but the decline can be slowed or even reversed with the right approach.

If you want to optimize your time and effort in the gym, treat your body like an investment. Seek out a knowledgeable personal trainer who specializes in mature bodies. A well-designed, tailored program can provide the best returns—helping you feel younger and stronger—with minimal risk of injury.