KEEP DOING WHAT YOU LOVE
As we move through the seasons of life, it's essential to maintain an active lifestyle to keep our bodies healthy, strong and mobile. Here's three women who are proving to themselves and others that age is simply a number and your health really is your wealth. Let's find out what secrets they have tucked up their sleeves to keep their body and mind sharp as they transition into their 50s and beyond.
"Self-care is never selfish"
Kelsey is from Sheffield and has recently celebrated her 50th birthday. Her mornings start with building a sweat before breakfast; "The day doesn't really start for me until I cycle 10 miles on my Pelaton!"
In November this year, Kelsey and seven other women in their 50s - nicknaming themselves 'The Intrepid 8' - will be taking part in a charity walk from Petra to Jordan. The five-day hike involves trekking for 9 hours a day to raise money for a Children's Hospital close to their hearts.
Healthy joints are essential, there’s no way I’d be able to be as active as I am if I didn’t take very good care of them. The one piece of advice I give to everyone is to exercise regularly, eat well and remember that wellbeing doesn’t just cover your physical health but also your mental health. Self care is never selfish!
"Better late than never"
Derbyshire hill-runner, Sarah, is in her mid-50s. Pacing out at least three runs a week, daily dog walks and regular bicycle rides, Sarah has found both fitness and mental clarity from her regular physical activity.
Sarah takes care of her joint health with therabands and builds in regular strength pracitices into her daily routine, such as sitting "on an invisible 'chair" while cleaning her teeth for two minutes twice a day.
Healthy joints to me means I can enjoy running downhill on rough ground is exhilarating but is also a confidence-booster. I feel secure on my own two feet and like challenging myself to leap onto rocks and logs.
Grief, stress and lockdown really knocked my ability to push myself. I always kept walking and just gently trotted or jogged as a kind of therapy. I hope to keep running half marathons when I'm 65! Being happily active is a way of life that I don't see being affected by age.
Don't wait for your health to deteriorate. Invest in a healthy balanced diet and exercise plan. I would have advised the teenage me to attend to my gut health and not waited til I was 50. Better late than never though!
"I prioritise my wellbeing"
Avid wild swimmer, Naomi, doesn't let the chill of winter stop her from getting out in the sea with her swimming group; the Blue Tits: "Starting chill swimming the summer before COVID struck really was a saving grace in meeting new people and forming strong friendships very quickly. When she's back on dry land, 53 year old Naomi is part of a Morris dancing group, which helps to support her memory and co-ordination.
I really enjoy getting in the water regularly all year round. It is different every time, the conditions, the company and the way it appeals to your senses. It makes you extremely present. Watching the waves, deciding on your strategy to stay safe, checking in with those around you. I call it my factory reset, I love the sense of adventure, risk within reason and prioritising my wellbeing.
Based in Cornwall, Naomi also supports others in their wellbeing journey with bespoke wellness consultations and regular yoga classes.
In a typical week I hold three yoga classes, see several people for wellness consultations, swim three or four times and go for two or three good walks. I also Morris dance weekly, which is great for memory co-ordination and not taking yourself too seriously!
Recommended by our team
These are some of the top products for joint health, frequently recommended by our team of nutritional therapists:
