17/12/2025
I have completed my latest education project that I started last year (level 6). Certified specialist in Senior Fitness - how to work with older individuals and ailments associated with aging!
I’ve had a lot of people ask me what counts as a senior person. Speaking from a health/physical point of view there is no specific cutoff point. You don’t one day go to sleep as a junior and wake up as a senior. Technically we all start becoming senior citizens the moment we are born – the extent of it just varies on a spectrum that is very different and very unique to each individual. About 30% is attributed to genetics, the other 70% is largely up to us.
While the body does begin to change and slowly deteriorate with accumulating years, the perceived stereotypes and symptoms often associated with aging are wrong, and are in fact a result of both past and current lifestyle choices. Lack of exercise (especially strength training), poor nutrition, and underuse/misuse of the muscles and joints. Under current research the body’s systems only naturally significantly begin to slowdown by about 80. A fit 70 year old can be as strong/ healthy/active as a sedentary person in their 30s. Many of my clients are more capable than people half their age!
Many symptoms and chronic conditions attributed to aging can be largely prevented, managed, and or reversed by consistent long term cardiovascular and strength training. This includes many of the common problems such as cardiopulmonary (heart&lung), metabolic (diabetes, absorption), neural (nerve and impulses), cognitive (brain&thinking) and orthopedic (arthritis, osteoporosis, various pains and disabilities) conditions among others.
By preventing/managing all and more of the above you also significantly increase your chances of a longer, better life expectancy and remaining independent. Not to mention reduced medical and insurance costs. It is estimated that for every hour you spend taking care of yourself (exercising and eating well), you will on average live an hour longer and ALL of your hours will be more capable and enjoyable. Can’t beat that deal!
This applies to everyone and all ages. Not just “senior citizens”.