Over-60s fitness gurus prove it’s never too late to get fit
All around the world, over-60s are proving age is no barrier to rediscovering youth, health and fitness. Whether it’s yoga or weightlifting, these seniors could give people half their age a run for their money.
Wendy Ida, 64
Looking at this US woman in the image above, it’s hard to believe she’s a day over 40. The 64-year-old fitness model, who says she’s “in the best shape of my life”, started hitting the gym at the age of 43 and these days gets in one-and-a-half to two hours each day. Ida tries not to go out too often with 41-year-old daughter Sky, as they are often mistaken for sisters.
Her advice: Start small. “Do a little exercise and work your way up and don’t take no for an answer.”
Svend Stensgaard, 94
This Danish nonagenarian holds the distinction of being the “world’s oldest powerlifter”, able to lift over 175 kg at the ripe old age of 94. Even more shockingly, Stensgaard suffered a heart attack less than three years ago! Today, he’s still fighting fit and often surpasses boys young enough to be his great-grandsons.
His advice: Keep persevering. “You get used to it, because of the good feeling it gives you […] it releases a lot of endorphins, feels like a dosage of morphine.”
Tao Porchon-Lynch, 97
Born in 1918, French-Indian yogi Porchon-Lynch has become an inspiration to people around the world after she was recognised by the Guinness World Records as the world’s oldest yoga instructor at the age of 93. The former model and dancer, who began practicing yoga when she was just 8 years old, even enjoyed a stint on America’s Got Talent performing a ballroom dance routine.
Her advice: Don’t let struggles get you down. “I fell and I’ve slipped. I’ve had everything, but I don’t let it take the better of me.”
Liang Yuxiang, 61
Sixty-one-year-old Yuxiang took Chinese social media site Weibo by storm earlier in the year, thanks to his hard-earned eight-pack. After experiencing somewhat of a midlife crisis in his 40s, the fitness fanatic turned to the gym and became hooked on the endorphins – he even turned part of the factory he owns into a gym for himself and his employees.
His advice: Don’t stuff yourself. “The only dieting principle I follow is that we should only fill our stomachs to about 70 per cent.”
Willie Murphy, 78
At only 5 feet tall and weighing in under 50kg, you’d never believe that this grandma is an award-winning weightlifter who can lift double her weight. Murphy took up powerlifting after seeing a sign at the YMCA and enquiring if it would be possible at her age. The employee’s response? “Go for it, granny.” Today, her favourite moves include one-handed pull-ups and fingertip push-ups.
Her advice: Find your motivation. For Murphy, it’s independence. “I can shovel my own snow. And I can push my car if it gets stuck in the snow... I'm almost 80 years old and I am still living life.”
What’s your best fitness and health advice for other over-60s? Share your tips in the comment section below.
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