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?

Very interesting piece on a related topic in the Observer yesterday
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2024/oct/13/why-everything-you-think-about-living-to-100-might-be-wrong
Says latest research on how to live longer seems to be mostly genetics.

Yes! I agree! They sound bitter and a bit jealous of your current good health. Positive people are good for us in so many ways

I am 63. I have no diagnosed conditions ,(touch wood) and am on no medications. I have no aches and pains. I can't remember when I last saw the GP.

I am not ultra fit. I'm overweight but I do walk my dogs every day and I do tai chi and aqua zumba three times a week.

Importantly, I think, I don't drink any more apart from at big events like Xmas with the family. And I have never smoked.

But more importantly, I have great genes - both my parents were the same. My dad is 91, lives alone, no helpers. My mum died at 86. There's not much you can do about that!

It's easy to believe this when you're young, however it might be like that if you're lucky.

I'm nearly 10 years older than you and not had any ailments or even broken a bone.
My mother is 66 and has nothing except borderline high cholesterol.

@CaveMum thanks, yes went to doctors last week after realising I'd been feeling this way at least a year. They did bloods and discovered I'm anaemic so I've started iron tablets . Going to give it a few weeks and see how I feel. Hrt was discussed, I'm a bit scared tho.

Forgot about magnesium, il order some.

I'm 41 and the fittest I've ever been. I do lots of weight training and spin twice a week, with some mobility training. I've been training consistently since my early 30s, although was a cardio bunny. Now I focus on strength, which I've been doing for the last 2 years as muscle is so important, particularly when you're getting older.

I'm not on any medication, don't have any health problems (touch wood). I haven't seen a doctor in yonks - except for smear tests and contraceptive pill checks.

I still consider 40s as young 😂. However, I'm still friends with a group from High School and they all appear to be dropping to bits 😱. They all have so many health issues it's scary!

One of my best friends is in her 60s and she has no health problems and she seems pretty fit. We go walking together regularly etc.

There is an element of luck to it. I work with elderly people and whilst life expectancy has increased, much of the reason for this is medication. Staying as fit as you can helps but there is no guarantee. Personally I’d say make the most of life rather than sacrifice things just to live a few years longer.

My best friends uncle was a sportsman who was lean and looked after himself. It didn’t stop him getting Dementia .

Post 75 isn’t great to be honest from what I see.

@Bewareofthisonetoo Taking up a new sport is amazing, isn’t it. I learnt to swim properly 10 years ago and absolutely love it being able to swim long distance now.

I am in my 50s and about as fit as I have ever been. I can run a sub 2 hour half marathon (never done a full one, I get bored!). I need to rebuild my cycling fitness as I haven't done much this year, but last year was comfortably riding 50+ miles.
I have never been admitted to hospital, not have I ever had any serious medical problems. Other than HRT, I am not on any medication. My BMI is in the healthy range. Ideally, I would be half a stone lighter, but I like food, and the exercise allows me to eat pretty much what I like.

There is an element of luck to it. I work with elderly people and whilst life expectancy has increased, much of the reason for this is medication

I don’t think there has been any change in healthy life expectancy for decades.

I had a very serious syndrome in my mid 20's and am fortunate enough to not have any serious lasting effects. A lot of people have severe lifelong issues.

I have 2 areas I have minor permanent nerve damage, but it does not affect my life at all. I don't think about it.

I did have a 5 night hospital stay for that.

Since then I have been fine for many years.

I do not take any daily medication for anything. I am in my 40's.

I also think people underestimate stress and the physical toll that can take.

@nongnangning interesting article. I’ve seen the below before

“It’s also worth noting that skinny people don’t seem to live the longest. Strikingly, overweight people live longer than their underweight, normal and obese peers.”

Obviously anecdotal but the family members I’ve had that lived in good health until their 90s all carried a bit of padding.

I caught a virus about 10 years ago that left me asthmatic. I’ve never smoked, never even tried it but have to use daily inhalers. I’ve got a genetic ear condition that destroyed my balance so I fall a lot.

Health is largely the luck of the draw. HTH.

I think a lot of it is genes. I'm nearly 60, fat, unfit, but generally healthy as a horse, on no medication. Had a bunch of tests recently that showed no pre-diabates, great blood pressure, healthy heart etc. my problem was caused by a vitamin deficiency, now sorted.

I have many younger friends who are on a load of medications, some with serious multiple conditions.

Our lifestyles are much the same.

Exercise and eat well is the best anyone can do… the rest is pure luck. My parents and in-laws are all late 60’s/early 70’s and fit and healthy. I have been on medication since I was 17 and had one major surgery and fairly regular trips to the doctor. Good health is a lottery if you ask me

Aren't we talking about being healthy and leading a good quality of life when older, not necessarily longer. I don't want to live until I am 95 if my knees hurt from being overweight.

40s and 50s and tbh 60s and early 70s are young now! As long as you health but I've seen people in their 20s with poor health, not that fault just life....I've lots of patients in their 90s and about ten over 100 who are living life to the full...I kid you not...all in own home and busy active life although all not driving now but friends collecting them...

See I've heard this. So why isn't 'normal' BMI set to this place, the now 'slightly overweight' place? Because surely 'normal' BMI should be the place you live the longest.

Or shouldn't it be? Is it just the average BMI?

@Drawfulofbitz Many health conditions can be managed more effectively now though and certain illnesses are no longer a death sentence.

A friend’s Dad was diagnosed with lung cancer several years ago and everyone assumed that he only had a year or so left. But, he’s been having experimental gene therapy and he’s still here. Same with DH’s colleague (60) who’s had a kidney removed due to tumours. He’s having some type of experimental treatment and is still able to work and live a fulfilling life.

@MrsTerryPratchett no idea, but have wondered too.

@BruFord sorry I’m confused by your reply to my post?

I am fitter in my 40s than i was in my 20s or 30s. I do strength and flexibility training with gymnastics. I can do chin ups, tumbling, backbends and the splits.
I couldn’t do any of those things even 5 years ago, I couldn’t even touch my toes

I got fit in my 40’s and I am so pleased that I did.

63 and no health issues at all. Dsis is 66 and ditto.