As anyone over 50 will know, passing the half-century mark does not mean you’re past your best. In fact, 50 is often the age at which people realise they have a lot of years ahead and they will need to be fit and healthy to make the most of them.
And those in the 25–34 age bracket could learn from the experience of older Australians, with Australians over 50 rating themselves healthier than their younger counterparts.
Research commissioned by Apia shows that over 50s are fit, healthy and know how to live life to the full. Exercising at least twice a week, 60 per cent of those who took part in the survey place a high priority on keeping the body as young and active as the mind. The study also revealed that 46 per cent of over 50s rate their health and 8, 9 or 10 on the scale of 1–10, which is in stark contrast to only 33 per cent of those in the 25–34 age bracket.
Geoff Keogh, Executive Manager of Apia, said, “Growing older doesn’t mean growing inactive. Exercise routines can be modified to accommodate injuries and different life stages, so there are ways to stay active, no matter what your age – and it seems our over 50s are putting some younger Australians to shame.”
NSW Seniors tennis champion, Gordon is living proof that age is no barrier to looking after your health and wellbeing, and achieving goals. “I recently won the singles in the NSW Seniors Tennis Championships. Having only started playing tennis in my 40s, I’ve found that you’re never too old to keep active, no matter what obstacles come your way. I believe this is a real testament to what over 50s are capable of.”
And Gordon likes to spread the good word of good health by volunteering his time at his local tennis club, where he mentors members on the health benefits of regular exercise.
“Having a bright outlook on and commitment to your health is important, I definitely have that. I’m feeling as fit and healthy as ever in my 70s and so are many of my great friends with whom I play tennis at my local club,” says Gordon.
“It’s stories like Gordon’s that show that there really is no such thing as being ‘too old’ to stay fit and healthy – and make positive changes for your future,” Mr Keogh said.
The survey was conducted by Lonergan Research on behalf of Apia, with a sample size of 5973 Australians aged 18 or over.
