'I'm stronger than ever at 70 - if you're between 30 and 60, do these 5 things to stay independent at my age'

Key Points:

• Carrie Sisson, a 70-year-old fitness coach, challenges the stereotype that ageing means frailty, emphasizing that consistent strength training since her 30s has kept her strong, mobile, and independent.
• She recommends five key habits to adopt before 70: prioritizing strength over weight, building muscle as a form of "insurance" for ageing, including cardio without relying on it solely, rejecting societal age limits, and nurturing mental health alongside physical health.
• Research supports her approach, showing that resistance training improves muscle strength, bone density, and functional performance in older adults, while aerobic exercise benefits cardiovascular and cognitive health.
• Carrie advocates for authentic self-expression and surrounding oneself with positive influences as important factors in healthy ageing, supported by studies linking these to greater wellbeing.
• Women’s Health offers a 4-week muscle-building and fat-burning plan by trainer Oyinda Okunowo, providing workouts and nutrition guidance to improve body composition, available free for 14 days to COLLECTIVE members.