What I have trained for …

My goal for being fit at 55 and beyond has been to build and maintain strength. I have been weightlifting since 2013. I don’t do competitions; I strive weekly to improve and move forward.

Over the past few years, especially with the pandemic, part of my daily activities involves providing support to senior family members. I became skilled at the one-trip grocery carry (look at all the bags!). I’ve packed and moved boxes, shifted furniture, rearranged pantries, and so on.

Usually, my people-assistance has been limited to providing a steadying hand for walking or helping them up out of couches or chairs determined to swallow them permanently. Recently though, I had to help a senior up from a position they could not stay in without causing harm.

It was a relief to look at the situation, figure out what needed doing, and then ensure I was aligned properly to lift without injury. Unless you are in a direct hands-on care role, most of us don’t think about our training to be something that can be applied in this way. I was glad I have spent the time ensuring I will have strength for now and the future.

If you want to know more about strength training for healthy aging, here’s a good overview from the National Insitute on Aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/how-can-strength-training-build-healthier-bodies-we-age.

Here’s a quote to make you think: “Age-related mobility limitations are a fact of life for many older adults. Studies have shown that about 30% of adults over age 70 have trouble with walking, getting up out of a chair, or climbing stairs. In addition to making everyday tasks difficult, mobility limitations are also linked to higher rates of falls, chronic disease, nursing home admission, and mortality.“

The focus is on prevention, but my experiences over the last three years suggest building our strength also makes us better caregivers because we have the power and the skills to help safely and prevent injuries to others and ourselves.

MarthaFitat55 lives and lifts on an island off the coast of Eastern Canada.