Age should not stop people from starting to exercise

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 06:20 · Archive

Pete Richards argues that age alone should not prevent people from starting exercise, unless there is a genuine physical reason.

Pete Richards argues that age should not prevent people from starting to exercise. He poses the question: if people did not know their age, how old would they feel? A 65-year-old might feel 50 when walking, cycling or playing with grandchildren, while another might feel much older because of tiredness and struggling with tasks that once came easily.

Richards notes that beliefs about age can be as limiting as physical ability. He runs Ironman races in his 60s, but when he tells people this, some say they think they are too old to exercise at all. He argues that unless there is a genuine physical reason preventing activity, age alone should not be a deciding factor.

People may need to adapt what they do, start more gently or take longer to progress, but this is different from being unable to start. Richards warns that thinking one is too old for something can lead to stopping those activities altogether, resulting in becoming less active, losing strength and fitness, and finding everyday tasks harder.

How it is being reported

• Your Health, Your Choice: You're never too old to start exercisingPete Richards asks whether age is just a number and why staying active can help people feel younger for longer.Bridgwater Mercury · 24 Oct, 05:00
• Your Health, Your Choice: Why age shouldn't stop you starting exercisePete Richards asks whether age is just a number and why staying active can help people feel younger for longer.Somerset County Gazette · 24 Oct, 05:00

In this story: Pete Richards

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