You’re Never Too Old

Posted By elissa on Aug 24, 2008 | 2 comments

I thought this BBC article was extremely cool.

Exercise classes keep Flo fit at 100. 

Flo Harmsworth is a good example of the old adage, “It’s never too late to get fit.”

At the age of 90 her doctor prescribed exercise classes to help combat the painful effects of peripheral vascular disease – narrowing of the arteries.

Her legs were aching and, despite having a very active life, she was starting to find it too painful to walk.

Now a decade later the centenarian is still taking part in the Royal Free Hospital weekly classes and loving them.

Back when we lived in Ohio, I worked out at the gym operated by the City of Kettering Parks and Rec. Dept.  The main facility was in the same building as the senior citizens’ center, so it wasn’t unusual to see older people there, too.  A couple of standouts were Millie, who – at 84 years old – participated in the regular aerobics classes and jogged on the indoor track; and my “boyfriend” Charlie, who still lifted weights at 92.

Unfortunately, most of the older folks I chatted with weren’t like Millie and Charlie: they were there because of health problems.  Over the years, I heard a lot of sad stories about open-heart surgeries and osteoporosis.  Several people had disabled spouses, and needed to improve their own fitness so they could be better caregivers.  As one man put it to me: “If only I knew then what I know now.”

As Flo’s story proves, you’re never too old to get into shape…as far as I’m concerned, being in the gym beats the hell out of being in a wheelchair.