Why are there some seniors around us, who despite their age look extremely fit and agile so much so that we view them with envy. So what is that reason which keeps them fit and active despite their ripe age? Is it a diet? Is it exercise? Is it mental peace? Or is it a combination of all of these?
Ken Head from Bristol at the age of 92 year has literally proven that age is just a number. This former engineer can put to shame any young adult.
As per a BBC report, Ken has a rigorous workout routine of 45 minutes daily apart from 400 and 600 push-ups most days, and 5km to 10km run. In exercise he does boxing and climbing.
Ken begins his day with jumbo oats and wheat germ mixed with chia seeds. "I’ve got figs and raisins, I’ve got nuts... I pour it all in the bowl, put some milk in there. That’s my life," he told the media.
In the morning he does push-ups, rounds of stretches for hamstrings, then weight training and finally running.
He started sprint triathlons- swimming, cycling and running to challenge his stamina.
Undeterred passion to stay fit and healthy
Ken had undergone medical procedures twice, but none had been able to stop him.
A year ago, he was hit by an e-scooter while he was out on a run. He suffered an injury in the achilles' (heel) which never healed.
He also had skin cancer which was later removed. “The operation to remove it kept me out of running for a while,” he said. “But I continued to go on.”
Why do we assume that being physically active depends on age?
We often assume that physical activity levels depend on age due to the natural changes in the body that occur over time. As people age, they tend to experience a decline in muscle mass, flexibility, bone density, and joint mobility, which makes physical activity more challenging. This decline may lead to the belief that older adults are less capable of maintaining high levels of activity.
Not just this, the energy levels tend to decrease with age, and conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, or cardiovascular issues may develop, which further limits the ability to engage in certain exercises.
Another factor is societal expectations. Youth is often associated with vitality and energy, while aging is seen as a period of slowing down. This cultural mindset can lead to the assumption that younger individuals are naturally more active and older adults should focus on gentler, less strenuous activities.
However, research shows that physical activity is beneficial at all ages and can actually slow the aging process. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health, muscle strength, and mental well-being, regardless of age.
