The Real Limits of Age and Exercise 

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I’m almost 64 and for the last three years I have suffered from extreme anxiety and depression. My granddaughter overdosed in 2020 and my dog Bearish died a year ago. He was my best friend. I have sat in a chair in my bedroom watching my phone or sleeping and have lost function, muscle mass and strength. My balance is piss poor and I have also suffered from extreme nerve pain since a botched surgery in 2020. I used to garden and lost the ability to do that and the motivation as well. My husband is also extremely depressed after a mild stroke and is also dealing with anxiety and grief. Is this the end of our sad story?? Hell no…..I want to recover and I want us both to be happy again. We are doing more than we were….not enough but we are starting and that counts. I’m going to start with your videos. I have been walking on our treadmill and need to do more. Please pray for us or hope for us or something. We need all the help we can get. 💔🐶💔

... as a German Biologist - I met a Man at the Super Market loading his old Bicylce with his Groceries he is 90 Years old Top Fit perfect Posture, Attitude makes 100 km Bike rides for fun was Free Rock Climbing all his Life in the Alps... what an encounter! Do it!

I started working out at 68. I am now 75. I can do burpees, 2 minute planks, a minute dead hang, tricep dips, a few regular push-ups, and squats. Lately I have started doing ladders for agility and coordination. I have witnessed my own progress over the past seven years. Slow and steady and persistent is the game.

Stop thinking you are “OLD” I’m 76 and I had 2 mini strokes and Cerebellar ataxia. I tackled it head on with 6 hours of hard, aggressive physical work a day. Now after 4 months I have about 80% of my condition back and expect to get back to running and free diving. Every day is a workout. I don’t visualize myself as old and I don’t do old people stuff.

I’m an 83 year old female that weighs 80# due to digestive issues…Ive always been active but have totally lost interest in nearly everything as my 60 year old son, who lives with me, has rheumatoid arthritis and can’t find any medication to help his 24.7 pain…this situation is very depressing so I sit at my kitchen table all day and do beadwork to keep my mind occupied…I trip constantly, cry a lot and have no energy…I can still do Yoga, and can still do the splits, I know how to weight train, do step aerobics, but don’t do any of it…after listening to you, I’m going to make myself get up off of my butt and start doing a little Yoga and some weight training every other day…I promise I won’t overdo…BTW, I rarely watch channels like yours but am so glad I decided to watch yours…thanks for the story of your mother…it’s spurred me on…Be Blessed….

At 71, I think of myself as pretty active. I can do squats and walk a couple of miles at a time. However, after watching Why Old People Can’t Jump, I tried to do some of your suggested practices. I tried to do a PLANK, and I realized I didn’t have the strength in my arms to do that! YIKES!!! I have some work to do to get that muscle and strength back. I’m going for quality of life, not quantity. Thank you Matt for these videos. Your presence is so fun and valuable!

I'm 80..been hitting the gym for 5 years. Everyday for the past 3 years. I can tell you from experience that elderly can gain muscle strength 💪, and feel better.

Hi, I love your videos. I am 76 and when covid came I decided to get healthy. I have gone from 218 to 120, I am 5'1. I learned to squat watching you. I exercise every day. I walk, 6 to 10 miles do 100 body weight squats and do 100 kettlebell throws. I feel great. I still live in a two story house and I cut my own grass, drive anywhere I want to go. I have osteopenia. I feel younger than I did 20 years ago. Thank for this wonderful video. I appreciate you, Matt.

My mother just turned 93. She’s still pretty sharp mentally. She was still playing racquet ball at 80 and beating men much younger. She also walked one of those obstacle courses where you stop and do different exercises. She swam all the time, too. Then, at 83, she got cancer on one of her lower legs. The medical folk wanted to amputate and she refused. Chemo and radiation and then surgery where one bone was replaced by a titanium rod. A rebuild was done of her calf muscles. Then six weeks in rehab to learn how to walk again. Ten years later and she’s on a walker, has fallen several times and had a mini stroke and is afraid of falling now. But I don’t think she would have survived as she has except that she was in fantastic shape.

Hi Matt, I am 78, I'm a hiker, and this past summer I climbed 4 mountains in the Adirondacks. On one of them, a couple of people told me I was 'amazing' because I was still climbing mountains at 78. I'm not amazing. It's just that I learned "use it or lose it" decades ago. Obviously, I am not as fit as I was in my youth nor am I as fit as I would like to be but I am working on the latter with the help of your videos. Thank you for your clear and rational approach.

I am 70 and have been a serious ballet dancer all my life. Not professional, but several classes a week most of my life. Lots of jumping, stretching, and aerobics. It's also very social and mentally stimulating. I think it is also important that it is an art form, and takes you out of yourself creatively rather than being so self-focused like a lot of gym exercise can be. It has been such a joy for me, and I hope that I can continue to benefit from it all my life. I recommend dance for anyone, IMO as close as you can get to a fountain of youth!

I am nearly 73 years old, female. I am 5’2”, 112lbs. I exercise in gym advanced strength and cardio classes 6 days a week. I use 10 and 15 lbs. dumbbells and 20 and 25 lbs. kettlebells. I am able to do regular pushups in sets of 20, up to 100, 100 crunches, planks, squats and lunges with weights. My arms are lean and muscle defined.My legs and back are strong. I have no health problems and am very fit. I have been exercising since I was 29 years old. I also do not drink alcohol, intermittent fasting and eat very healthy. I am the oldest person in my classes, by decades to many of the other attendees.

I’m 55, my husband is 77. Three months ago he was painting the house, remodeling the kitchen by himself, and he even dug a 40x3x2 foot trench in the yard to repair the septic system. Fast forward three months later… aggressive lymphoma, chemo, and a cholecystectomy thrown in the mix…he needs assistance getting up from a chair, and his slow walk to the bathroom and back ends with a 2 hour nap. Thank you for this video! I’m going to make my husband watch it with me TODAY! He desperately wants to be able to roll around on the floor with his grandchildren again, and I need to improve my strength so I can assure his safety and my own as his caregiver. Again, thank you for the work you do, and for encouraging me towards achieving realistic goals. 🌷🐻

I am 70 years old and I started walking daily in June - could barely slog around my block.... but I kept at it and walked 230 miles in October. It doesn't take long, but it is so worth it, there are no excuses.

I found out I can jump. At 68 I stood up on a zero turn radius mower and jumped off. But found out I couldn't land very well. 😊

I am 68 years old and I am the strongest I have ever been. Stronger than I was at 40, stronger than I was at 25, definitely stronger than I was at 15. I am on my way to deadlifting 100 lbs. (I actually did 95 lbs. - it was a bit wobbly, but I did it.) I go to a gym to work out with a trainer twice a week; his expertise has been crucial to my doing the heavy compound moves safely. The rest of the week consists of 2 days rest and 3 days doing the sort rehab/prehab exercises to keep all of me moving well. (Thank you Matt for the hip exercises!) My motivation was what happened to my mom. She broke her back at age 92 and did not have the upper body strength to move her wheelchair by herself. Mom hated exercising. She lingered like that for 7 more years. It was awful. I will not live forever, but how I live to my last moment is up to me.

I was extremely active for my age. I walked on the beach every day. I was doing mobility xbx for woman exercises. After contacting covid at age 71, I was unable to exercise or walk without getting heart palpitations and getting extremely tired. I kept trying every couple of weeks, but I made no progress. Before I could heal from covid, my husband passed away from an enlarged heart. Loosing my husband traumatized me more than I could ever have imagined. I did not exercise at all for a year and a half after my husband died. I restarted walking and doing mobility exercises about 3 months ago. It has been far more difficult to get back where I was in December of 2021. I want to thank you for your very sound advice and motivation. I found you only two days ago, and I am going to follow your recommendation and see how I can improve. Thank you so much.❤

At 77, I still teach hour and half yoga classes 3 x a week. It combines, strength, balance, stretching. Once a week, still lift weights to prevent fragility. We jump through our sun salutations. I absolutely appreciate all your videos because lots of people find yoga too challenging, but your work allows them to start gradually and addresses specific bodily needs.

Thank you Matt! I get so tired of the constant negativity associated with aging. We have power in movement!! I plan to keep moving, stay active and get the most out of my later years. Thanks for what you do!

Wow this is so spot on. I was told by multiple specialists that as we age our bones and muscles decrease in function and that it happens to everyone, that’s why I had multiple fractures . I am a young active person. Was given a cocktail of pills to take each day - three and and extra one if the pain was severe. And told rest if you can’t move without pain. One endocrine doc said after months of limited movement you have no fractures so it’s not osteoporosis so go back to rheumatology. No mention of muscles. The rheumatologist who sent me to endocrine couldn’t find a cause, then had me go to the pain management clinic that doc said it was osteoporosis, contradicting the previous doc. I never went back to any of them. Did my own research eventually found you here at Upright Health and Dr. Jo on you tube. Guess what? I can walk without pain, hike, lift kettlebells, touch my toes, squat, stretch, get up the stairs play instruments without hunching into a twisted pretzel. All without riips. Who’d a thunk it. To anyone who may read this what this video and all the videos talk about is real and true. Stay well be strong and thank you.

My dad is 98 and lives independently. Recently he hurt his back - he put his Wheelie bin out on the wrong day and had to push it back up the hill laden, and strained his lower back. This put the spotlight on how he had allowed sarcopenia to develop, despite doing a modest exercise regime. He now does a resistance work-out each day involving resistance bands, light weights, and including shoulder presses, rows, squats, leg extensions etc. I have also switched out some carbs and replace them with more protein and some MCT oil. I also arranged for a walking track to be made in the back yard, with a hand rail, so that my dad could do a bit more walking in the sunlight. My dad has started to show some mild cognitive decline, and the exercise and exposure to sunlight may help.

62yo female here. I've been weight training since I was in my teens, and I feel like I'm in about the best shape of my life. "A body in motion stays in motion."

You come from such a kind and caring place. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and perspective

Great advice for seniors The sad part is when our children are young, we sacrifice everything patiently teaching them. But we are old, our grown up children cannot take care of us and tolerate our behaviour 😢

Doc im closer to 60 than 59 lol. For the last 22 months ive been power walking 6 to 7 days a week . 20K to 25K steps each day. Lost 80+ pounds and maintained it. Feel fantastic and have no serious pain in my body.

I started working out at 65 after a lifetime of sitting at a desk. Retirement gave me the time. I did cardio either on a treadmill or a rowing machine. I began lifting barbells and dumbbells. I always warm up with resistance bands before I lift. For the last 8 years I have been at the gym for 2 hours or more 4 to 5 days a week. I alternate body parts daily, (Legs, chest, back, arms). So now I bench press 285 for reps, I leg press 650 pounds, row 270 pounds, deadlift 315 pounds, etc. I have had very little injury. If I need an extra day off I take it. I eat a very balanced healthy diet. I am now 73 and still getting stronger. My goal is to eventually bench 315. I don't know if I will get there but I keep working towards it. The human body is capable of so much more than we think. Don't give in to sarcopenia.

I’m 43 and for a long time I had no idea that I had lost hip mobility due to super tight pelvic muscles from endometriosis. Doing hip stretches has increased my mobility significantly. I’m a nanny and every little bit helps, when you are trying to stay active with toddlers. 😅

"regaining what you used to be able to do"

About a year ago I started your healthy hips program and slowly but surely, within a month or two, I started to make significant progress. I was so excited! Then I got sick. It's crazy how quickly those gains disappeared after months long illness. Im back to minus ground zero and walking with a cane. This video is exactly what I needed to get my mind fully but carefully, back in the game. Upping protein and doing the exercises, my first goal is to walk unassisted. Thank you for your words of encouragement always! I'm in my late 60's. Let's do this! 🤗✨🌟

I'm 57 , been working out since I was a kid , have insane genetics thankfully , and paint houses for a living so overall I stay in good shape . But yes , I've had a few categories movement wise that start falling off if I don't focus on them . What I also noticed though is I swear I get faster results now when it comes to muscle mass. I can take a month or 2 off and within a week or so I'm sizing back up. I wonder if I just have a type of "memory" from my youth that responds fast? The big thing for me is to focus on my energy . It's soooo easy to start going into hybernation mode . So I switched to lighter and smaller meals and don't stop moving when I get home . I walk in my apartment and say out loud to myself "I want to workout" . I make some green tea or vegtable juice , turn on the news or a movie and start exercising . It's pretty low key really . Otherwise I'm more likely not to do it

My son encourages me to walk & exercise but also what you eat, says a lot about how it can limit your physical body, no junk food after 55, it can really effect your health. Thanks for sharing video and inspiring to take control of our health.❤

Never too old. At 67, I still ride my road bike up to 30 miles at a whack, still lift weights, & still jump off of my deck. I've always said, "The best way to insure that you won't be able to do any particular thing anymore, is to stop doing it".

My 91 yo mother lives with us. Your videos have helped me help her, along with some good PTs who believed she could get stronger, especially after she fell and broke a hip. One PT dismissed helping her because he didn't think she had the ability to improve. Grrr! Was he wrong! I've continued exercises with her. She cooperates, but acts as though it's no use. She has gotten some stronger. She's able to stand up from the toilet alone, which is an improvement, for example. I'm hoping for more. Thank you so much for your encouraging words here and all your videos. It's working for me, too. I'm 65, and some of my age are stooped and slow in their walking already. I'm not jumping or doing the Asian squat yet, but I'm working on it. 😊👍

At 76 years of age, I have endured a series of surgeries for the last 7 years. Two major cancer surgeries, a hysterectomy, a 4-vertabrae fusion back surgery and 3 abdominal hernia surgeries. Needless to say, I have lost an incredible amount of physical ability and am anxious to start a recovery journey. I am so glad I found your channel and website. I am starting today!

Thank you so much. At 71 I'm currently recovering from long covid so what you're saying is really helpful for me.

Thank you for your wonderful videos. I only discovered your chanel today. I hope what I am writing will be helpful to others. Day one of any exercise program is easy. By day ten, motivation for exercising often wanes. By day 100, the motivation has usually disappeared and become a disappointing memory. As I was exercising yesterday, the thought occurred to me that exercising on a regular basis is a gift we give to ourselves. It’s not a punishment. It’s not a misery. It is as important as having shelter, food and water. By treating yourself well and giving yourself the gift of regular exercise more than just jumping and muscle building happens; not that either of those things are unimportant! Regular exercise builds self confidence for a few reasons. First the fact of sticking to the exercise shows you that you have the capability of fortitude. Second, as your body starts responding to the exercise, you feel physically better. Third, after the first two kick in, you start to look better because moving is easier. Your posture improves, you stand taller and walk with more confidence. Fourth, looking better makes you feel better. Other people appreciate a healthier looking person, too. Fifth, as your self-respect builds, so does the respect others have for you. When all of the above occur, the next step is that you become more open to other and or new people, ideas, activities, challenges and generally become more engaged in life. At this point all the above start to work together to create a stronger, happier, more independent, more resilient more capable, more creative, more adventurous person and your self esteem soars. Such an abundance of positivity can become part of you through regular exercise. For anyone, who is worried about the commitment regular rxercise requires, start small, give your self as many pep talks as you need as to what specific benefit exercising will be doing for you. Will exercising make you look good in a bathing suit? Will exercising help you to make it onto the dance floor at an upcoming event? Will exercise reduce your exhaustion from doing simple chores? What ever it is that exercise will do for you, constantly remind yourself the benefit you will be receiving from exercise. Look at exercise as one of the best investments for your future that you can make.

This motivational video realy hit home for me. I was never athletic in my youth and never played any sport. At age 61 I sufferd 5+ rib fractures followed by a heart attack 2 weeks later resulting in 4 stents . I threw away my shoes and with my chronic back pain gone got into hiking. Now at 63 I joined a crossfit program and love it. 4 week ago I managed 40 push ups (my all time record was 3) . 2 weeks ago was 60 situps and 60 rope skips. I am now in the best shape of my life . I have discoverd your videos only a few months ago but you are now my guru. you tought me how to touch my toes in 2 days (now touching my knuckles) and the asian squat in 2 weeks. Thank you so much. I will recommend your channel to everyone I know and especially my crossfit coach

End of life shit is so goddamn hard, and when you add any degree of dementia, it's so much more difficult. And COVID accelerated all of that in my family and many others. Just wanted to say I really appreciate your videos. They always give my forty-something ass hope! And thanks for talking about your mom. Parent-kid shit is complex as fuck, and it's always so good to see someone processing it in a healthy way.

Your statements are TRUE! I turned 80 a couple of months ago. My goal is to match my health span to my life span whatever that may be. Three times weekly for an hour each session I take an AOA(active older adults) class at the YMCA. The mantra is keep moving and do what you can. The first 15 minutes is aerobics beginning with gentle movements and involving the whole body at a faster pace. Then a ball or elastic bands are added for coordination, strength, aerobics. The next segment is with hand weights utilizing the upper body and the lower body with squats and lunges. The final 15 minutes is stretching and yoga movements. Yes, jumping is included if you choose to do so or can do it. I have been doing this consistently for about 2 years and a couple of years previously inconsistently. A few decades ago about in the middle 40s I began jogging, then I moved to mild weight training to yoga. P.S. I include resistance training with electronically controlled weight machines. Of course, this is not on AOA days. Numerous people in the class were a bit negative about my efforts as I outperformed them. Then more encouragement was forthcoming. I did trip over my feet a few weeks ago, fell, got right back up and allayed the fears of the instructor that I was fine. And I was completing the whole class. A rather long comment but it supports what you say fully. Another P.S. I eat well mostly but wine is tasty and occasional whiskey is perky and a bowl of crunchy potato chips are irresistible moderately, of course.

I love this. Honestly as a skinny legged 63 year young person, with hip and knee arthritis, you have renewed my drive to move.

My brother, an injured Vietnam Vet at 77 years old recently became a 4th black belt in swords. His instructors comment on how he has done insane manuvears. He clinically died on the floor of their facility and was brought back about 3 years ago. The hospital was gong to pull the plug on him on a Monday and let him RIP. On Sunday he began talking to people. He was rushed to surgery and returned to the sword class about 8 months later. When he walked back into the sword class his instructor could not believe he returned as he told my brother he had died and now was back on the floor. The students and instructors were all amazed and gave him a welcoming reception. His heart specialist disclosed that his heart is in very good shape. He does not do high jumps not because of health but due to his wound in Vietnam.

I had a painful back injury last year. Went to PT they told me not to do anything with my legs. They gave me some exercise that mostly aggravated the problem. Seven months ago I started going to the gym and walking on the treadmill, lifting weight with my arms and some yoga and floor exercises. Now I have a lot of strength and definition in my arms. But my legs were getting thinner and thinner, so I went to an orthopedic who did a CT scan and told me I did have some bulging disks but that I could exercise my legs and even my back with a few exceptions. So, I just started working out my legs and my back hope they can catch up to my arms. Yes, I am 61 and I cannot jump. I will work on it.

I just turned 74 and 2 weeks ago my dr told me the best thing I can do for myself is resistance training. Pretty much said what you are saying. I noticed after I turned 70 a decline in my strength which is very frustrating to me. I’m pretty healthy, not on any prescription meds and I think your video is the second push I needed. I will be visiting your website to get me started with a routine. Thank you so much for your videos!

This great man is going to change our lives! I came onto his site two days ago and am already practicing his methods. I turn 70 this Friday and will being used for the rest of my life!

62 years old and 18 months ago weighed 405 lbs at 5'1" tall. I've been on GLP-1s for 14 months and am down 170 lbs. I am finally out of the wheelchair, not using the walker, and able to walk outside of the house. The GLP-1s do a number on our muscles, so I have started working with bands and they make me feel amazing! I am thrilled to find your channel and will be listening to your knowledge and experience often. Thank you for giving me the belief that I _can_ build my muscles back to something somewhat normal. The skin will dangle, but the muscles underneath will be taut! Thanks again!

I am 71, I have always been active, I do Zumba and Tia Chi. I want to pick up strength training again. I’m an anxious person and the Zumba really helps me get rid of excess energy so that fits with what you said. Great video, that’s just what I needed to hear tonight!

Just turned 68. Started running about 5 years ago, having been active my whole life with cycling, hiking, swimming, etc. Also dealt with severe addiction issues through my life and been clean and sober for 20+ years. Ran 2 50k races in the last year and looking forward to building to a 50 miler. Don't know if I'll achieve it, but never thought I could do 50k either. I was inspired in my 20s seeing an "old man" probably somewhere around my current age lifting weights and running in Venice Beach in the 1980s. Never spoke with him, but his image has stayed in my mind. I am one of the slower people in my running group, (men and women from 20s through 60s) and I'll never have the strength or cardio of my 20s and 30s, but I have a great time, and will continue to enjoy physical activity for as long as possible. Yes, "use it or lose it" applies!

Thanks for sharing your Mom's journey. I'm still working with SPS and now osteopenia. I can move, and will get these muscles back!

I'll be 66 in a month and while I've never been "athletic," I have always been pretty flexible and do not "feel old." I don't feel like there's much I want to do I cannot do. I travel a lot (one day last month I walked about 8 miles on a port stop from a cruise ship) and I try to do some good cardio or weights most every day. Of course, I do have aches and pains sometimes, but (knock on wood) I've never had serious back ailments and most every medical problem I've ever had has been a "quality of life" thing, not a life-threatening thing. I'll never excel at any sport, but I can easily walk 4 miles in an hour and I can do what I need to do to maintain my life the way I want to ... I may have to ask for help lifting something or reaching something, but I think doing some sort of physical activity (I don't belong to or go to a gym) almost every day is key.

Loved this video, it definitely rescued me from a downward spiral. I am 82 and have come through many health issues including a lumbar vertebral fracture, always managing to keep positive. Very recently I was given a diagnosis, of early Alzheimer's disease. This was a massive shock l am unfit, my arms and legs have very little muscle due to sitting for long times. I know I need to get up and move more. You have helped me to realise that "there is life in the old dear yet". Thank you.

I am 53 years old and before I started watching you last week, I was barley able to get up and down off the floor, I do not have good balance but its getting better and I am realizing that everything in life, "Use it of lose it,"...I have been working out for years however not utilizing the legs will cause the rest of the house to crumble...

I'm 83 and workout 3x a week....against western medicine and assisted living...

16:35 I am 70 now, and have been taking ballet and modern dance as a serious non-professional all my life. The students at my studio range from age 18 to age 85, pre-professional, professional, and serious hobbyists. Our teachers are current or former dancers from professional companies. The students and levels of these classes will challenge any ageism you might have about the limits of the older body. It helps that dance is more than just exercise, it is an aspirational visual art with kinesthetic intellectual challenges. And we jump plenty!.

My Mom is 89yrs young and goes to the YMCA many times a week. Just as some background. Last year, at 63yrs , after I had been very active with weight training and cardio and stretching regularly, I had an unfortunate accident (pickleball) & broke my back. T12 burst compression fracture. Back brace for 3-1/2 months. I was able to deep squat and get myself out of chairs, beds BECAUSE I was in pretty good shape. Just out of brace for 1 month and back to working out. Slowly getting back --- then away on holiday and caught a hole at a resort and broke my ankle (NO KIDDING) !!! 6 weeks in air cast. That was 6 months ago for last break and I'm back to doing my full workouts. What has suffered is my flexibility....but I work at it all the time. Never any pain relievers. Movement is medicine!!! Keep moving. If I can do it --- so can anyone. And yes, I CAN jump !!!

I am 59. I have been walking an hour every day for the majority of my adult life but have walked every single day for probably the last 15 years. About 6 weeks ago I decided to up my game by starting to do step aerobics. I feel great every time I do it and much stronger already.

I'm so happy to have a senior center with modest weight machines to work with and a friendly environment. As they say, youth is wasted on the young. I personally do not like busy gyms because the heavy cell phone use, loud music and aggressive nature of young people is not enjoyable to me. I am 61 and not as lean as I used to be, but very strong and active. I do the best I can within recovery capabilities. Right now, doing a standing military press with half my body weight is my goal, been working at it for almost 10 months starting from 70lbs overhead. I weigh 220lbs and my press is 115lbs for multiple reps, no lifting belt. Just like jumping, something most people don't ever do just to name a few exercises. I don't compare my self to others. Just trying to maintain balance in all things.

I'm visually impaired and have broken my ankle 3 times with 3 surgeries, broke the arch of my foot, and now have a medial menicus tear. Before all this, I was a super fit gym rat, hypermobile, and double-jointed. Two days ago, I actually asked my partner what use is it to continue with such a painful and useless existence. I'm only in my 50s and in so much pain all the time. I'm so happy to have run across your videos. Moving a little more every day, a little deeper stretch each time, could give me my life back. Thank you for sharing! You may be saving lives. ❤

My mother is 89 and turns 90 in a few months . She goes to group silver sneaker classes twice a week. She bowls once a week and averages 130 score . She just passed her driver test and is sharp as a tack . She is going to on a zip line for her 90th birthday. She is an inspiration to her whole family and those who know her . Her motto is move it or lose it and for her diet …portion control .

I'm 71 and in excellent shape. I work out 6 days a week. Been working out for years.

Amen. Keep moving.

I’m 73 and in the worst condition of my life, but last summer I did rebuild my deck and 12 steps with a mini deck. I also pruned my 3 large apple trees, weeded about 300 feet of gardens, and mowed my 4000 square foot lawn whenever it was needed. I recently flew down to California. Before getting on the airplane I was talking with a gal who was also 73. Airline people loaded about 6 people on the airplane using wheelchairs and she was thrilled to be pampered. I got myself on the plane with a suitcase that might have been slightly overweight. I’m so glad I’m home where I can return to swimming 40 laps a day which makes me feel wonderful, walking, dancing, and begin weight training.

My father died aged almost 93. He did a hard physical job from age 16-28. After that much less so. He was unemployed in his 60s onwards and suffered depression at that time. He smoked but stopped in his 50s. He also didn't drink from this time onwards but had a couple of beers 3 nights a week from his late 70s. But he walked from his late 50s up until his mid 80s. He walked 3 times a week and swore by it as the best exercise.🎉 His first onset of infirmity came age 88. He recovered but started to decline (from lack of self care, he lived alone) from then on until he went into care where he improved physically. His mind was clear also. He died within 3 months of entering care. .

My friend, you are a delight. Don't beat yourself about your mum it's clear how much you love her. I lost my husband a while back but all our loved ones in my view never truly leave and complicated as life truly is .. well a source of joy. In my case; my Dad developed late onset dementia in his mid-80s but he was an avid fisherman and simply .. my hero. My mum died in her mid 60s of a brain tumor and my parents were devoted and sad as this narrative is, I am so glad they were my parents. I am 67 and all my life an avid swimmer and dog lover which means lots of hiking etc, I think you covered the fact that sarcopenia and bone density loss is a fact of life and .... who knew better an ounce of prevention etc. I recently broke my hip wake up call and the world of physiotherapy a revelation. I have like many older people problems with proprioception and ... what seemed fruitless (you know all the stuff you have to do daily) has indeed made a huge difference and continues to do so. one thing I think you didn't cover but definitely a subtext is the isolation people really do experience as they get older which engenders lack of motivation. I find some physio stuff building muscle painful and just take a day off and then carry on. One small dog inspires me and also the hope to visit friends who live elsewhere. The obvious cliche a marathon not a sprint is apposite. Functionally I can do squats now without a chair the list continues and my balance worst challenge improves. Cognitively ... well I play chess my Dad used to beat me but I don't know the Sicilian defense playing black ... tx for your wonderful videos!!!!

I think you need to put this training into practice and make most gains from everyday life when you are not thinking about it, when you are getting dopamine hits from cooking, cleaning, gardening, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, etc. Learning proper technique will stop joint pain and train your muscles in everyday activity.

This is the stuff I love from your channel - and why I constantly recommend you, thank you for all you do😊

Jack lalanne kept working out all of the way to 96 Year's....

Great stuff I worked on my Dad who had Vascular dementia and improved his life and movement. Also my mum who had osteoporosis and teach my clients who are 65 to 80 and all are improving. Matt the pilates teacher

My father had Alzheimer's, after he broke his hip he never walked again because his mental state wouldn't let him understand that the exercise would help him. He just knew it hurt and he wouldnt do any of them. The physical therapy just wasnt open to the idea of having to deal with his mental state. I was very disappointed and wasnt allowed to intervene. I understand your problems and the decision you made. Charles

Yes, Matt, there is always hope! I have depression without meds and I live in a most uninspiring place with little society. I'm on wait lists for better housing! At the last place I suffered so much noise that I needed a pacemaker! No legal help, no nothing. But at 80, sleeping on the floor, boy could I get up quick to go pee. LOiving room floor was the most quiet, and I did that for 18 months thru Covid. Now I'm near 82, overweight, and hunching over when I walk even a short way. But wait! My people live long! My Nana was 96! And I'm a veteran! This is the Air Force Captain! So I am encouraged by your talk. I do think pushing a cart thru an exciting store (with the mantra "I have everything I need!") will help me burn calories. At the same time, I have a plan for even just a little bit of exercise effort. Many thanks!

My mom made it to 95. She would get in the pool every day and do her water aerobics. Her last year she started falling and finally ended up in the hospital. She had her wits about her but wasn't as sharp as she once was. Her hearing was bad and she didn't like her hearing aids. I'm active at 65. I go to the gym and do 10 mile trail runs although I am not training now because I am so busy with projects. I have been taking Tai Chi classes for a decade. I am learning to surf but stay on small waves due to my age. I try to at least walk a quarter mile in the park every day. Getting out of the house in nature is healing.😊

This is the first of your videos I've come across. It never even entered my mind whether I could still jump or not! I'm 57, had an early career as a gardener for 10 years, but after becoming a mum, kept up gardening at home - until I had a major operation. That's when things started to happen. I got a bad infection in my surgical wound, took 6 months to recover - and while I did so, my son introduced me to online gaming. I sat there for 4 years, I'm ashamed to say. Finally, I realised what a waste of time it was, but when I returned to my badly neglected garden, I quickly realised that wasn't the only thing that had been neglected. I was seriously out of shape, overweight, stiff, and my stamina was rock bottom. I have managed to build up slowly over time, but have nothing like the strength, stamina and ability I had prior to my op. I am lucky (although it often doesn't feel that way) that my garden is on a steep slope, is large, and has a small and rocky woodland where I cut my own firewood. But, it wasn't until now that I realised that some of the obstacles in those woods force me to clamber very slowly and carefully over them - I never think of jumping them. I think that at the back of my mind I have thoughts of broken hips and twisted ankles. I think I'll get a skipping rope first, just to get me off the ground a bit. Thanks for this video. It's what I needed to hear.

Thank you. At 70, it’s a struggle, but having realistic expectations helps a lot.

I was going to the gym regularly but hadn’t seen any strength gains. When I quit taking turmeric as a supplement, I started actually making gains within a few weeks. I think that the turmeric was blocking the inflammation response necessary for strength gains. If you take NSAIDs, you may want to avoid them for a while. Edit. Of course, check with your doctor before discontinuing medication.

I am 75. I worked til 72 and only quit because of the rona. I was somewhat athletic most of my life but sarcopenia hit me hard at 64 even tho I was still active. I always used steps and walked everyday. Great cardio. I just didn't do weight training because I didn't like it. MISTAKE. I finally decided to go to a personal trainer who was also a physiotherapist. Best thing I've ever done. It is possible to become stronger. Your videos are great. I appreciate you.

Age 67 male. Started bicycle riding again five years ago ( raced in my teens, but rode very little since) ride 4500-5000 km a year now… longest rides over 50-73 miles (non stop). I hope to do a 100 mile ride again ( did a zillion of these in my youth)

I just checked, and I can still jump! I'm a 59-year-old woman who has dealt with toe surgery (due to arthritis) a couple of years ago, torn cartilage in my knee last fall, a strained shoulder in January from too much snow shoveling, and Achilles tendonitis recently. My PT for the knee injury was great and helped me a lot. Now I'm doing some yoga, will be walking the dogs more regularly, and will maybe try my cross-country skis this winter.

I’m 73 years old and I swim half a mile every day. I am also not in any prescription drugs. I learned the lesson very early in life to take care of oneself, I saw what my grandparents and my parents went through, not taking day-to-day care of their bodies.

Excellent content. Thank you! Loved the story about your Mom and I hope she's doing okay (no doubt she is doing better than if she had not had that time with you!). I have exercised since I hit 30 with running as my main focus but also do some resistance and other activities such as swimming. I have also watched my diet, meditate, take supplements and challenge my mind with reading, etc. I'm 72 now and just want to echo your message.....this exercise stuff makes a HUGE difference in quality of life. Over the years, I have noticed (1) I tend to become sick less often than sedentary friends and recover faster (2) I have managed to remain optimistic and generally happy with life (even as events such as COVID, wars, ugly politics have escalated), (3) able to do just about any activity I could do at 30 albeit with less endurance. It just seems obvious that developing regular exercise habits when younger has huge advantages, especially over time. This doesn't mean every day is sunny and worry-free, of course. But the "lows" don't get too deep or last very long. I am totally convinced that the regular exercise adds tremendous resiliency both emotionally and physically. Bottom line is that if a person is seriously interested in having the best quality of life possible, exercise is a primary ingredient. My hope is to "die healthy" as odd as that might sound......to remain very healthy, mobile and not a burden to family right up until my final weeks of life. The studies show I will certainly add some years to my life as an added bonus, and who knows, maybe there will be a longevity science breakthrough that provides a few more years. There has never been a better time to work at remaining healthy. Thank you for your excellent work.

Thank you , very insightful, helpful content!!

I've heard people say that exercise is the "fountain of youth." As the host suggests, is more like a fountain of looking and feeling better as you naturally age. I always appreciate the content here. I wish you continued good fortune.

Grat, heart felt video! Thank you for your wisdom and inspiration.

Just to say as an Ex Soldier now @ 69 yrs old, you are so right, Use it or Lose it!! i have spinal and brain Challanges but still Mow my lawns, do the majority of Housework and ride a Motorscooter (125cc) . I walk daily, use hand weights and Stretch! Bit stumbly at times but finally off Walking Stick and grinning like mad. So if any one out there seeing this, Yes it can be done, Slowly start but remain focussed on the Goal. I am no goody two shoes so i eat junk occasionaly and Sip a Beer or Wine .

I just found this channel! I am so excited to start following you! God bless you!

I enjoy watching and sharing your videos. Listening to you discuss your beloved mother's situation shows two things: 1. You're human 2. Your beloved mother is blessed to have you as a son! Treasure the journey👏🏽👏🏽

Thank you for the straight talk and truth. You are very much appreciated.

I am so thrilled to have come across someone who promotes lifelong exercise and encourages older people to start. My mother was rather chubby by the time she was in her late 60s. Cute, but chubby. She started a low impact aerobics program at age 69, 2 to three times a week. She kept it up for almost a full 20 years - had to quite after about 19 1/2 years due to knee issues. She lived until 97. I still strive to do as much as she did. BTW, in my family, no one is considered 'elderly' until they are in their 80s lol

Love your work Matt, keep up the great videos!! 😊

This is so valuable, it’s practical, realistic, encouraging and very compassionate.

Systematic, disciplined resistance training is the foundation of my program at age 76. I do it just like I would at age 25, with extra care not to use too much weight to avoid injury. 2 mobility/agility/balance sessions with a trainer as well. And a lot of walking. I am continuing to gain strength and mobility, slowly but surely. None of this prevented major heart surgery in August 2022, but it sure helped me recover - I amazed my cardiac rehab trainers. Plus I enjoy it! I feel better when I do it. I believe sarcopenia is a disease of inacivity, not an inevitable part of chronological aging.

I'm 70 and don't consider myself old. I've been doing Iyengar yoga for 30 years, walking, and now do resistance training as well. There are some things I can do now that I could not do in my 20s and 30s, other things that I could do previously I cannot do now. But I can still jump! And I plan to keep physically active for as long as possible, since my mom lived until 102 and I likely have those longevity genes too.

I love this, so helpful, honest and realistic! You've motivated me, and I will keep listening to you. Thank you Xx

Agree, agree, and agree. Thank you for taking the time.

Thanks for the encouragement. I am 70 with bad joints and have been working out in the therapy pool. I am getting much stronger, but I'd like to keep progressing.

I'm 52, very active daily due to my work as a housekeeper and recovering from lower back and related sciatica from two herniated discs. I've had great success with this slow yet consistent use of exercise to strengthen the spots that have gotten weak. Even I don't use all my muscles with the miles I walk each day. I don't jump anymore 😂 thank you for pointing that out. I used to teach PE to little ones. We rolled down hills together and danced the macarena and I jumped a LOT back then. I stopped after the second baby at 36......Wow this has been one of the most helpful over 50 videos I've seen yet. Kudos to you and your gift.

Good job !!! Totally agree !!

This video is amazingly useful and helpful.

Hi, I enjoy your videos, they have helped me a lot. On the other hand, the judgmental tone of "sitting on your bu7t", or "don't use it as an excuse" are not helpful at all. Keep teaching, exercising and fitness free from judgments. Stop assuming people are giving excuses or just being lazy. Thanks.

You are a blessing! Thank you so much for all that you are doing! ♥️

My mother is in memory care since April this year she is 91 Thanksgiving she didnt know who I am and it was difficult for me I am 65 and had been sitting around smoking. I belong to health club but have not gone since I am dealing with caretaker burnout. I know that even a walk for 15 minutes is very helpful I am going to go swimming thanks to watching this video Thank you very much! I have gone for acupuncture on my shoulder znd had talked to therapist about the smoking. I know its from letting go of caretaking for my mom for the past 5 years when she was independent care. I saw her everyday there. But now its hard for me to see her everyday so its when I can and now I have to care for myself. Hats off to caretakers out there that do take care of themselves and others.