We can’t all be like LeBron James at 41. But these athletes still have lots to teach us about active ageing
Elite athletes share with the rest of us a common underlying physiology and the capacity to adapt significantly to training. It’s never too late to start.
The stories of aging professional athletes like Ma'a Nonu, LeBron James, Courtney Dauwalter, Kazuyoshi Miura, Lionel Messi, and Christiano Ronaldo demonstrate that peak athletic performance is not limited to younger years. These athletes serve as role models for the possibility of sustained physical and mental health through regular training and exercise, even in later life.
While many professional athletes retire after a handful of years due to injury or performance decline, older athletes prove that the human body retains the ability to improve and maintain fitness well into adulthood.
High levels of inactivity are a significant contributor to poor health outcomes such as heart disease, stroke, dementia, and depression. Yet, the human body is capable of substantial adaptations to training, even in older age groups. Research shows that older adults can experience major improvements in cardio-respiratory fitness and strength, with these responses continuing beyond the age of 70.
Therefore, age should not be viewed as the sole determinant of physical decline, as regular exercise can counteract many age-related changes.
For most individuals over 40, the goal of active ageing may not be an elite sporting career, but rather maintaining physical fitness, strength, and independence to lead a fulfilling life. This could involve engaging in simple activities like park runs, hiking, or playing social sports with family and friends. The most effective exercise regimen is one that can be consistently followed and built upon, rather than an extreme program that is difficult to maintain.
Those with underlying health conditions should consult a healthcare professional before embarking on a new exercise routine.
The examples of veteran athletes should inspire rather than intimidate. Instead of comparing one's performance to theirs, focus on what your body can achieve now and aspire to accomplish tomorrow. As Dylan Thomas wrote, it is essential not to "squander an opportunity to 'rage against the dying of the light'."
Written by urgent.news from The Conversation AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
