I Turned 60 and Got Stronger: The Truth About Muscle Loss and Midlife Fitness

Sixty.  I don’t know that I ever thought about being 60.  From what I’m told just reaching this age is a milestone.  People ask me how it feels.  I really don’t know how to answer.  I feel like I did when I was in my forties, and I’m as strong as I’ve ever been in my life.  How?  Two things.

1.  Good genes. I’m lucky that both sides of my family were, and are, pretty robust.  Even the relatives that abused themselves for a good chunk of their lives lived a long time.

2.  Exercise.  I’ve been active much of my adult life.  After moving to south Florida one thing changed.  I started strength training. It wasn’t a new thing for me.  I had dabbled over the years, but nothing consistent. 

I’ve said this many times.  When I was in my 40s I thought, regardless of my age, if I could still ride my bike I would be in good shape.  When I got into my 50s I realized how wrong I was.

According to several medical papers, social media savvy doctors, and this Harvard Health article we lose 3-5% of our muscle mass per decade after the age of 30.  Thirty!  I don’t know about you, but I felt pretty darn good in my 30s.  

After the age of 50 muscle mass decreases at an annual rate of 1-2% per year; strength declines 1.5% per year between ages 50-60 and 3% per year thereafter.  (PubMed)

Gaining, and maintaining strength likely prolongs not only your life, but your independence.  That’s what it’s all about.

I saw a great ad some years ago.  An older man, who had once been an athlete, was growing feeble.  His body not allowing him to do things that his mind still thought he should be able to do.  I found it to be pretty inspirational.  Even if it did come from a Dutch pharma company.  Instead of me describing it, I’ll just post the link here.  

This isn’t complicated.  It doesn’t require much space, a ton of equipment or a gym membership.  Body weight squats, push ups, hang from a bar, buy one kettlebell and learn how to properly swing that thing.  You will be amazed at how you feel.  It may even be life changing.

I hope something good happens to you today.