‘I’m 65 and my mum is 87 - here are the 6 key moves we prioritise to maintain strength in later life’

Key Points:

• Personal trainer Janet Osborne, aged 65, actively promotes strength and mobility in older adults, inspiring her 87-year-old mother to maintain an active lifestyle through simple, consistent exercises.
• Research supports that resistance training at retirement age can increase muscle mass, improve function, and extend longevity, emphasizing the health benefits of staying active in later years.
• Osborne recommends short, manageable workouts a few times a week, focusing on exercises like sit-to-stand, single-leg calf raises, hip hinges, counter push-ups, side steps, and single-leg balances to build strength and stability.
• These exercises are designed to be accessible, requiring minimal equipment and time, and can be integrated into daily routines, highlighting that even small amounts of activity contribute significantly to healthy aging.
• Key movements such as the sit-to-stand and single-leg balance not only improve physical function but are also linked to reduced mortality risk and better overall health outcomes in older adults.