Although I passionately believe we should all stay as active as possible into old age, I'm never sure whether I want to run classes or programs specifically for older people. There are two reasons for this, firstly I think it's nice to have a mix of all ages in classes and secondly, running over-50s (or over-whatever) classes sends the message that these need to be more gentle and slow which isn't necessarily true.
I love having older people in my classes. They are always cheerful, sociable, appreciative and like to have a laugh. I think generally we do get nicer as we get older - more mellow and laid back and less conceited. Young people can be quite competitive in classes and take it all very seriously so a mix of ages makes for a much nicer atmosphere, I think.
But what about the physical side of it? Ageing doesn't happen overnight when we turn 40, 50, 60 etc., it's a continuous process from our 20s onwards. If we wait until we're 60 and then start exercising going to a mainstream class could be a problem. But a 60 year-old who has always exercised shouldn't have to go into retirement and start attending "gently does it" type classes. Looking at the different aspects of fitness:
Joints: possibly the biggest potential barrier to exercise as we age. Joints can become worn and less able to absorb impact, for this reason high impact activities may not be good. However, high impact aerobics was only really popular for a short time. Martial arts and kickboxing classes could be a problem for older joints but most classes will be suitable. The other thing that happens to joints is that they become tighter - that is the range they can move through decreases. Unless the joint is arthritic this is largely due to lack of movement. Joints stiffen alarmingly when not used. Anyone who has broken a bone and had a joint immobilized will know this. Most mainstream classes won't require a range of joint flexibility that is not possible for older people with disease-free joints. If joints are arthritic, exercise will help but the type of exercise will have to be chosen depending on the joints affected and the degree of severity.
Muscle strength: loss of muscle mass is one of the effects of ageing. But, again, regular use of the muscles will keep them strong and largely offset this. Certainly enough to participate in a regular exercise class. Studies have shown that muscles will respond to training at any age, so even older people who have not exercised for years can build their muscles back up.
Bone density: bone mineral is lost in women from the mid 30's and cannot be replaced. Men lose it to a lesser extent. Loss of bone mineral causes the bones to become more brittle and prone to fracture. Osteoporosis is a severe loss of bone density. If you suffer from this, as with arthritis you will need to choose your exercise appropriately. For most older people, though, as long as high impact is avoided bone density should not be a problem. Although bone density cannot be replaced, regular weight-bearing exercise will slow down its loss.
Stamina (cardio-respiratory fitness): another one that will reduce with age, but at a far slower rate if you keep training. It could be dangerous for an unfit older person to join a mainstream cardio class because of the demands on the heart, so anyone over 40 who is not used to exercise is usually asked to get medical clearance. Someone who has had unhealthy habits for years may have to be very careful starting a cardio program, if they have developed problems such as high cholesterol or high blood pressure. However, someone over 50 who has always done cardio training is likely to have a healthy heart and circulatory system and be able to keep up with a mainstream class.
So, ideally, you should stay fit all your life and keep participating in regular classes for as long as possible. Sadly, there is going to come a time for everyone when that does get too much, and those starting an exercise program later in life are going to need to start slowly, so I suppose there is a place for older classes. I wouldn't put an age on it though. 50+ seems to be the most common age for older classes but many fit 50+ year olds could put under 30s to shame.
For more information and articles on fitness visit my website http://www.postnatalreshape.co.uk or my blog http://www.postnatalreshape.blogspot.co.uk
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