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FFF: Does Age Matter?


Today’s topic is Five Ways Age Affects Your Fitness Journey.

IOW: Does Age Matter?

Not to Jeannie Rice!

At age 75, she is still setting world records at ALL distances from ONE mile to 26.2 miles.

But to the rest of us mere mortals, does our age affect our fitness?

Well, rather than list the ways it does because that may be depressing (healing slower, bone loss, lack of muscle tone, weight gain, etc), I will post about…

Five Ways to Lessen the Effects of Age on our Fitness Journey:

Because Age is just a Number | Inspirational Blog for Senior Athletes - Sportsmatik

1.Keep moving. Every Day!

You don’t have to train to run an ultra marathon.

It can just be walking, biking, going to the gym, playing tennis…

Do whatever you enjoy that gets you off the couch!

2. Eat healthy enough to keep your weight to a normal BMI (18.5-24.9).

Of course, eating healthy is different for everyone.  Some people can eat ice cream everyday and not gain a pound.

Unfortunately, as older adults, our metabolism slows down and we have to be more careful about what we eat (and drink.)

And you also may not agree that BMI is the best way to judge your healthy weight. You can monitor your weight by the numbers on the scale or how your clothes fit.

We all know that it is easier to gain weight than take it off.

3. Establish Realistic Goals.

Your goals most likely will have to change as you get older.

Unlike Jeannie Rice, most older runners will not achieve PRs.

Rather than worrying about your slower pace, try for an age group award.  They are often easier to win as you age.

Increase your daily steps.

Learn a new sport. Pickleball, anyone?

Join a gym. Enroll in CrossFit, Orange Theory, Peleton, etc.

4. Find a role model.

Sometimes you feel old and unsuccessful in your fitness journey until you read about someone who is older and doing so much more.

That person may not be older but they may have a physical handicap that is not holding them back.

Marathoner Tanya Khvitsko Was Born Without Legs or Fingers - STRONG Fitness Magazine ®

Marathoner Tanya Khvitsko

5. Focus on what you CAN accomplish rather than what you CAN’T!!

If you can’t complete a half marathon, sign up for a 5k.

Instead of a road race, try a trail race.

Walk a 5k if you can no longer run.

Of course, there are many goals that aren’t even related to running but keep you moving forward.

Happy Running! Have you had to change your fitness routine based on your age?  Any other suggestions? Please share.

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It’s Friday so I’m also linking up with bloggers, Me (My First 5K and More), Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and Zenaida!

So Join in!

And don’t forget to link back to your hostesses and visit some other blogs!!

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16 thoughts on “FFF: Does Age Matter?”

  3. Wait- that’s Jeannie Rice in the photo with the yellow sports bra and she’s 75???????? WOW. I love all your points- focus on what you can do, shift your expectations, find new activities, KEEP MOVING. So many people would be healthier as they get older if they would just keep moving.

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  4. There’s so much to do to keep fit despite age!! Strength and mobility training, to build and maintain muscle, is absolute key for both keeping a healthy weight and a good quality of life as we age. And generally staying active and move in ways we enjoy and are able to.
    There are plenty of good role models. I follow a lovely 74-year-old lady on Instagram who inspires me tons. She climbs trees and whatnot! Recently I found a fitness coach (age 55-60-ish) who helps people with osteoporosis to encourage movement, exercise and to keep living a good life. And YOU, my friend, are another important role model!

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