There are an astonishing amount of aging athletes who refuse to let their age slow them down and continue to stay fit and active into their later years. While so many people tend to become less energetic as they get older, this growing demographic of aging athletes chose to exercise as a way of staying young and ward off aging. These athletes participate in several different competitions including the Senior Olympics and the Master Game Series where those participating are anywhere from 50 to 101 years old (Leet, 2011). There are tremendous health benefits from staying active throughout a life span, and this growing subculture of aging athletes may have found a temporary fountain of youth.
As many people get older they chose to embrace the inevitable aging and deterioration of their bodies. This is understandable considering muscle decline can start as early as age 30 and bone mass begins to decrease after age 40. (Agin, Perkins, 2012) (Wasson, 2012). It is not surprising then that exercise for aging individuals begins to seem like an unfeasible task as their bodies get weaker and slower. Aging athletes differ greatly from sedentary seniors because they do not view their inevitable physical decline as an obstacle but a challenge. They ignore the negative stereotypes that come with old age and make the conscious decision to stay active for as long as they can. For example look at long distance runner Fauja Singh. At age 101 he became the oldest person to complete a marathon. Although his racing times are increasing over the years he refuses to let his slowing speed keep him from competing and setting world records 93 (Neiyyar, 2012).
The main reason a senior chooses to remain active is to stay young, healthy and independent. As author, and orthopedic surgeon Vonda Wright points out: “How we age is 30 percent genetics and 70 percent under our direct control” (Leet, 2011). Many seniors realize the health benefits of staying active and take control of the rate they age through exercise. Aerobic and weight training can help strengthen bones and offset the natural decline of oxygen consumption and muscle mass, making continued exercise easier (Mascarelli, 2011). Exercise has a huge preventative effect on ailments such as heart disease, diabetes, joint problems and Alzheimer’s disease. It can also help improve sleeping, concentration, and help control blood pressure and cholesterol (Llyod, 2012). Staying healthy and mobile later in life helps people retain their independence longer because they are not depending on others for their basic needs.
In addition to the overall physical rewards enjoyed from staying active, many seniors continue their exercise regiment for the psychological benefits. Exercise releases endorphins, which are the “feel good” chemicals in the brain that promote an overall sense of wellbeing. This helps to combat depression and anxiety as well as promote a more positive attitude and higher self-esteem (Lloyd, 2012). Exercise also gives aging individuals a feeling of empowerment when they accomplish activities that are not expected of someone their age.
The growing numbers of seniors athletes can be seen in all sorts of athletic competitions around the world. In this years London Marathon there were 7000 runners over age 50 and 7 over the age of 80; one of which was Singh (Mosley; Smith, 2012). But many seniors gravitate to events that are specifically directed to athletes of their age. The Senior Olympics and other organized athletic events for aging athletes have become a growing trend over the last 25 years. They hold competitions in everything from archery to volleyball, and this year there will be ten thousand athletes competing (The Midland Daily News, 2012). For many seniors these events are what give them that extra push to maintain a high level of fitness (Lloyd, 2012). There is also a great sense of community and hope that athletes experience when they compete with thousands of their peers. They are given a chance to not only take control of their aging by staying active, but also form lasting friendships with people that share a similar goal of health and fitness.
After looking at the numerous physical and psychological benefits of continued exercise it is no wonder there is a growing population of aging athletes. These stubborn individuals refuse to let anyone tell them they are too old to accomplish their goals. Through staying active they are taking control of their futures and keeping their bodies and minds as youthful as possible. Many people can learn from them and see that we are never too old to be active and it is not to late too reap the abundant benefits of exercise.
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