Physical Activity and Women 55 to 70

Home | Français

Inspirational Stories

Send a Story
If you have an inspirational story about a women aged 55 to 70, whether it be you, your mother, your grandmother or your friend, we would love to hear it. Please tell us your story.

I have always loved sport and participated in a variety of athletic activities up to the international level in athletics. Having this background has made it easier for me to continue keeping active and fit through a combination of cycling, swimming, weight training and stretching. In 1985 when I was 55 I competed in the first World Masters Games in cycling, coming first in the criterium, second in the road race and second in the time trial. (I had originally intended to compete in swimming, being involved in a masters program, but developed tendinitis in my shoulder, so had to switch sports.) I completed the Rideau Lakes Cycle tour several times during my fifties and early sixties (Ottawa to Kingston on Saturday, returning Sunday, 177 km. each way). The last time I participated in this event I was 69 (the oldest women on the tour). That year I did the shorter course (Perth to Kingston and back, 100 km. each way). I also took part in 15 km. bicycle time trials during my fifties and sixties. The summer I was 69 (in my 70th year), I "opened a new category", a 70 to 79 age group. I learned to row at age 61 and competed in a couple of races in the novice coxed four. although I don't row any more, I continue to use the rowing machine and have recently given workshops in correct technique at a couple of the centres where I work out. Having discovered what a wonderful full body workout rowing is, I want to help others learn to get the full benefit from it. In my mid sixties I started spinning classes and have taken them every winter since.

First of all, I believe that it is important for our general health. We read more and more about the many benefits of regular exercise. Physical activity can help prevent or alleviate many health problems. It helps one to maintain a healthy weight, which contributes to a good self image. As we grow older, keeping strong and in good physical condition allows us to cope better and for a longer time with the everyday demands of life. An example: I am now 75 and recently had a total knee joint replacement. I was determined to be in the best possible shape before the operation, with special emphasis on strengthening the muscles around the knee joint. My recovery was extremely fast and I was back in a spinning class three weeks from the day of surgery. I'm sure the training I did before the operation paid off.

You are never too old to exercise. No matter what your age or disabilities, it is possible to find physical activities from which you can benefit. As a volunteer in an exercise program in a long term care facility, I saw how even people who very very old, or in poor health could participate in an exercise program adapted to them. Nowadays many community centres have 'chair exercise' and other classes for seniors As a volunteer for Citizen Advocacy, I have recently started helping an 80 year old lady by driving her to do some of her errands. She walks with great difficulty using a hand crutch. Last week I suggested that she might find exercising in water beneficial. She said she didn't swim very well and didn't like the idea. I tried to explain that it had nothing to do with swimming, but didn't succeed in explaining the concept to her. A few days ago I found a good article about aquatherapy, added some definitions from the Internet and looked up the schedule at a pool where the water is kept very warm and there are many classes available that I think would be very good for her. Armed with this information, I hope I can help her understand what I'm talking about and maybe change her mind. She is presently doing physiotherapy for her leg problem, so I will suggest that she ask her physiotherapist what she thinks of the idea of aquatherapy. Finally, don't look for excuses why you CAN'T do anything. Rather, be positive and look for things you CAN do. There are lots of alternatives and lots of knowledgeable and enthusiastic people out there to help you.

Jackie, Ottawa

Send a Story
If you have an inspirational story about a women aged 55 to 70, whether it be you, your mother, your grandmother or your friend, we would love to hear it. Please tell us your story.

Photos courtesy of CAAWS - Mariann Domonkos Photography