THERE’S AN OLDER GUY at my gym who, to be honest, looks like he fought in World War I.
He’s a little hunched over, is mighty lean, and his body sort of tilts to one side, with a little limp coming at the bottom end.
But he works. Which probably has something to do with still being able to come to the gym at 127 years old (that’s a guess).
He’s there three or four times a week. I keep an eye on him because not only is he a fascinating sight at a place where even I feel old, but I don’t want to watch him crush himself because he still thinks he’s back in the trenches, fighting for the glory of France.
One day he was working next to me, doing some dumbbell shoulder presses. I watched out of the corner of my eye in case I needed to be a hero and earn the respect of everyone (women) at the gym.
Then it happened — he got stuck halfway during a rep. The weight wouldn’t go up, wouldn’t go back down.
I sensed danger. I dropped what I was doing and rushed over and started to grab the weights to rescue this poor …
“(Chuck) NO,” he growled, not really saying “Chuck” but definitely closing his eyes and continuing his quest to turn purple.
Well … I could respect that. Actually, I absolutely loved it. He reminded me of Clint Eastwood. So, I stood there and watched him yell some more (ARRGGG) until he finally pushed he weights up, locking his elbows straight while making the most terrifying face I’ve seen since the Germans opened the ark in the Indiana Jones movie.
He dropped the weights looked at me, and broke into the greatest smile. “Thanks,” he said. “But I had it.”
Indeed.
I make fun because I’m jealous of the tough old guy. Make no mistake: he’s extraordinary and, at the very least, deserves to be on trading cards or have a reality show.
Don’t stop now
But what about the rest of us ordinary mortals who want to live longer? What do we have to do?
Turns out, we just need to keep doing whatever we do, as long as whatever we do involves moving. Don’t stop.
According to a new study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation, vigorous movements while performing normal everyday activities like gardening or walking could substantially reduce the risks of developing or dying from cardiovascular disease. Which is kind of a big deal, as cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally.
The study starts with the baseline conclusion: “Few middle-aged and older adults engage in regular leisure-time exercise. Incidental physical activity encompasses activities of daily living outside the leisure-time domain.”
And, as the researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia point out, “most clinical and public health guidelines have traditionally been developed with evidence on the cardioprotective properties of structured exercise.”
Right. I think about my 79-year-old mom who, in the best of days, considered getting the mail as exercise. To be fair, my mom was blessed with genetics telling the world she didn’t need much exercise. And she worked for decades in a society that said she needed to chill when she wasn’t on the clock.
As the study also points out, “regular structured … exercise may not be appealing or is inaccessible to many adults, and participation rates are typically low. In the United Kingdom, for example, just two in five middle-aged adults engage in exercise (including sports) at least once per month.”
Just moving counts nearly as much as strenuous exercise. Yes, older often equals tired. But here’s the great paradox: The more we exercise, the less tired we’ll be.
Let’s face it: Most people tend to be tired when they get older if they aren’t active. But does that mean they should yell obscenities at the gym while reliving the Battle of Gallipoli?
No. Not even close.
Just moving counts nearly as much as strenuous exercise, the science is telling us. Yes, older often equals tired. But here’s the great paradox: The more we exercise, the less tired we’ll be.
Maybe the key is focus. We certainly shouldn’t think of moving as “exercise” as much as we should focus on the activity.
Walk while chatting up a friend (socializing is really good for us). Get a small annoying dog that demands to see the neighbor’s bushes seven times a day. Gardening is awesome. Playing an instrument, doing puzzles, chasing grandchildren, photography … I’ve known people who think shopping is exercise. As long as you’re not doing it in front of a screen, why not?
You don’t have to yell at the gym. Just move, last longer and be happier.
Reach Tony Hicks at tony@baycitynews.com.
What does a longer lifespan mean to you? Talented local columnists tag-team every Friday to tackle the challenges that inform your choices — whether you’re pushing 17 or 70. Recent Stanford Center on Longevity Visiting Scholar Susan Nash looks at life experiences through an acerbic personal lens, while other longtime writers take the macro view to examine how society will change as the aging population grows ever larger. Check in every Friday to expand your vision of living the long game and send us your feedback, column suggestions and ideas for future coverage to newsroom@baycitynews.com.