To think it’s possible to stay fit and healthy into your 40s and 50s without ailments?

[ForGreatMintDreamer]

I’m 31, fit and healthy, and have always been active. I hope to stay this way after having children and well into old age. However, many people tell me it’s unrealistic and that it’s inevitable I’ll experience health issues as I get older. Some even say if I do remain fit, it’ll be down to genetics (for context, both my parents are in their mid-50s and are fit, active and healthy).

Is this really true? Or are there others here in their 40s, 50s, or older who have stayed very active, fit, and healthy despite what everyone says?

I do not believe that being 'slightly overweight' will help you in old age, nor will it reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Being slightly overweight means if you fall ill and are confined to bed you have some fat reserves to draw on. It also means you are likely to have more estrogen circulating postmenopause, care of the extra fat cells, which is protective of bone. Also, some cushioning should you fall.

You are much better off having muscle to cushion you rather than fat. Muscle also provides a fuel source in case of illness. Also the production of oestrogen from fat cells is not the healthy type and is linked to an increase in the risk of breast cancer.

Depends on your genes, no? At even a BMI of 24 I cascade into diabetes. Thanks to my genes. I have no option but to stay slim as possible.

That’s what I think. People can be at completely different levels of health with the same bmi scores. We are all different.

40s and 40s "old age"? Bloody hell.....

It boils down to this: a sedentary lifestyle coupled with a diet heavy in sugar, refined carbs and UPF (+/- alcohol) is a really bad idea if one wants to stay healthy as one gets older.

Eat a healthy Mediterranean style diet. Lots of vegetables, moderate amounts of protein, small quantities of healthy fats and complex carbs, a little dairy.

And move. Walk - walk as much as you can. Engage with an exercise programme that you actually do, regularly. Choose any of the zillions that are out there - but do actually do it...... at least 3-4 times a week.

Don't neglect your muscles!! Weight baring and resistance based exercise is soooooo important!!

I'm 70. I swim. I play tennis and pickle ball. I cycle. I ski. I work out for at least an hour most days. I train with weights. None of this is a guarantee for longevity. Following a little scare I'm being watched for a potential recurrence. But while I'm here I am feeling infinitely better than I would be if I were eating crap and spending excessive time on the sofa.

I think it's possible of course but it's also possible that you can do everything right and still get hit with illness or disability. I've known quite a few fit active people laid low with illness quite young and I've known people who do everything wrong eat the wrong stuff, drink too much, smoke and be fit as a fiddle into old age.

This is absolutely true there is good research showing that older people in the overweight category (not obese) have lower all cause mortality.

I do think staying fit - playing intense aerobic sports and running massively helps to keep you in shape well in to your 60's. I also know plenty people that are tee total etc and still get ill

Unfortunately it is a bit of a lottery

i also think stress and the impact on genetics has a huge part to play. This would explain why super fit people who live flawless lives in terms of not drinking, eating well staying super fit still get ill,

I agree it’s a lottery. In my early 40s I was a total gym bunny, 13 classes a week. And running as training for a half marathon. Then hurt my leg, turned out I’d fractured my fibula through over exercising. It took a long time to heal and 8 had a ruptured tendon which took years to get surgery on (covid hit).

I was pretty much unable to walk for two years but tried to keep fit by starting cycling. Since lockdown I’ve cycled over 2000 miles a year. But my leg has never been right, my hip is now affected and I struggle with my mobility. I’m unsteady on my feet and fall over quite a bit. I’m only in my late 40s and dread how I’ll be in another ten or twenty years.

dh is a little bit older than me and was an elite ultra runner, entered major races all round the world and was still at that level until about a year ago when he was struck down with a rare autoimmune illness. He was the picture of health before, vegetarian, no processed food, doesn’t drink or smoke and running crazy distances every week. Then he was unable to run as his skin was so badly affected, was on a big dose of steroids for months on end. He’s getting back into the running now but his autoimmune illness can’t be cured and could flare up again any minute. 80% of people die from complications of it within 2-3 years of diagnosis. So no, he’s not fit and healthy.

I live in an area full of healthy older people (20+ years older than me, I am mid forties (and not old!)).

They almost all have dogs so walk loads daily, and some do golf. Almost all garden a lot. Never seen them go to a gym. Some have had a knee or hip replacement but not all.

I’m so pleased to hear you ski.

I ski but I’m mid-forties and sometimes look at the lift queues and feel I am one of the older women there … somehow there are a lot more men 50 and above. I was wondering if the game would soon be up …

My father had perfect health until the age of 82 despite smoking from the age of 12 and drinking heavily. He did regular exercise and maintained a 34 inch waist. He still went to the gym up till his late 70s. He died aged 86 from heart failure. My mother was fit and healthy up to the age of 87. My sister died aged 39 from cancer.

Last year I bought new skis and boots - and ski jacket 😎- as I plan to ski for a loooooong time yet!

I once shared a lift with a 93 year old chap from Austria!!

My aunt is 73, was a dancer, she still is very fit healthy and agile. She always says, movement is key for the brain, all the hand eye coordination

My mum was illness free until she had a flu jab that triggered autoimmune disease. Rheumatoid arthritis. She then had steroid treatment that led to bone breaks. Then other treatments and new drugs to counteract side effects. Her life changed with that unnecessary flu jab.

Risk and benefit. Don't use prescription drugs to stay healthy unless you are already sick. They are not risk free.

I'm in my 60s. No illnesses or medical conditions. Only procedures I've had were gynaecological.

Most of my friends my age or even older are fit and active too. Some have had back or knee issues but overcome them.

Live healthily and don't become overweight and mostly likely you'll live a healthy life into your 70s or 80s, barring something genetic. My dad has never had a serious illness in his life and is 90.

I'm early 50s and fit and healthy no hospital stay ever no medications - hope to stay fit into 70/80s - read Peter Attia Outlive -he has lots of advice ( some a bit extreme) to stay health into later life

That’s interesting. Dh got his autoimmune illness after Covid vaccine and there’s quite a bit of research saying his rare (previously 1 in 2 million) condition has rocketed amongst people who have had the Covid vaccine in a way it hasn’t with people who declined the vaccine,

I’m so sorry.

We can try but we can’t control.

Late 50's and just to say knee issues can sneak up on you. I am still in pretty good condition but osteoarthritis means my version of a squat is laughable

I have just turned 50. My thyroid is knackered (auto immune). Decided to concentrate on my health this year, as I was 3 stone over weight, and drinking too much. Also had my kids late, so really need to be around for them a bit longer.

Joined a gym that focuses on building strength. All my stats massively improved, except weight, I lost a stone and then it refused to budge. Tried lots of different things, but nothing got me below the 12 stone mark. Now been doing fast 800 keto for two weeks and the weight is finally dropping off. I did it without the keto bit and I was only losing 1lb a week (fuck that shit)I should be a decent BMI by Christmas and I think all the changes I have made will allow me to sustain it.

Both parents alive, mid 80s and living independently,. although getting frailer.

Well, of course you want muscle as well!

The estrone circulating post-menopause is a weaker form of estrogen, and can be converted by the body to estrogen. It's part of why plumper people look younger. I'm not talking about HRT, or being obese.

I cannot think of anything more empowering, energising and rejuvenating than building muscle.

I've been working out with Caroline Girvan for 4 years or so. Life-changing.