Older you are, the better you are: the sport where age is an advantage
The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits.
"For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David.
Read more from The Senior:
Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths.
David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds.
David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased.
"Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior.
"Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying."
The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives.
David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes".
"A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea.
"Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact.
"It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies."
Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life.
"You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said.
And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said.
"It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver."
The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving.
Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport.
The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits.
"For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David.
Read more from The Senior:
Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths.
David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds.
David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased.
"Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior.
"Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying."
The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives.
David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes".
"A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea.
"Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact.
"It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies."
Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life.
"You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said.
And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said.
"It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver."
The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving.
Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport.
The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits.
"For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David.
Read more from The Senior:
Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths.
David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds.
David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased.
"Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior.
"Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying."
The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives.
David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes".
"A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea.
"Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact.
"It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies."
Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life.
"You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said.
And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said.
"It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver."
The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving.
Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport.
The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits.
"For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David.
Read more from The Senior:
Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths.
David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds.
David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased.
"Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior.
"Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying."
The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives.
David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes".
"A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea.
"Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact.
"It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies."
Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life.
"You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said.
And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming.
"It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said.
"It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver."
The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving.
Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68
Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
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The Advertiser
3 days ago
- The Advertiser
More Aussies are choosing end-of-life care for their pets, would you?
For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. For Vicki, 65, and Dennis Cleghorn, 69, their beloved greyhounds Finn and Roy were their children and their "world", so when they became ill they wanted to make sure they had everything they needed - and they're not alone. Australia has one of the highest rates of pet ownership in the world, and according to the RSPCA's 2023 data, there are around 28.7 million animals in Australian homes - that's 69 per cent of national households with a pet. And more parents of fur babies are now paying extra money for services, such as in-home palliative care and euthanasia so their much loved family member has a comfortable end-of-life experience. Read more from The Senior: When the Victorian couple's dogs weren't doing well when they travelled overseas in 2023, they were heartbroken and rallied family, a dog sitter and Rest Your Paws veterinarian Laura McGuffog to keep the dogs company and monitor their health. But by the time they got back, their beloved dog Finn had taken a turn for the worse and they were thankful to be back for her darkest days. Mrs Cleghorn said when Finn's time had come, having an in-home service felt less "clinical" and it also saved her beloved pooch from having the additional stress of being moved from her bed to go to a vet's clinic. Instead, the family gathered and said their goodbyes in a more personal way. "We all sat on the loungeroom floor with Finney in her bed and spoke to her," she said. The Cleghorn's were especially touched when Dr McGuffog arrived with McDonald's chicken nuggets - Finns favourite - as a farewell gift that both Roy and Finn ate together. "There was no rush. She [Dr McGuffog] took her time," Ms Cleghorn said. "And then finally she said, 'we'll say goodbye now'." Mrs Cleghorn said after their emotional farewells were said "as she went off to sleep", a "little stretcher" was brought into the home, with the male family members helping lift Finn onto it and out to a vehicle. Through tears, Mrs Cleghorn recalled how "amazed" she was Finn would be taken to her final resting place amongst pillows and flowers that adorned the car. Mrs Cleghorn said saying goodbye in their home to their "daughter" helped with closure and made them feel like they did everything they could do to make her comfortable. Sadly, it was only a few months later when they had to rally the troops again to help with their former racing dog, Roy, who unexpectantly experienced more serious seizures when the couple were away. Heartbreakingly, they couldn't get back in time, so Dr McGuffog again came to the house - with nuggets and a "soft-serve from McDonald's" - and the devastated couple watched on their cameras, with Roy able to hear their voices saying goodbye. "Laura did it with such tenderness and respect for the animal and us as owners," Vicki said. The pair always told Roy they would give him the "best" life and with the home service, the couple feel like they kept their promise. But palliative care isn't just about fulfilling a need to make animals as comfortable as possible in their final days - it is also helping people with low-mobility or illness to be able to say their final goodbyes. "I personally have had clients who are bedridden, and they've been able to say goodbye to their pet on their bed, in their lap, in their arms, and still have that connection," Dr McGuffog told The Senior. Dr McGuffog has noticed a difference with pet owners who choose the in-home service. "People look up at you afterwards and say, 'that was just so peaceful'," she said. Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Older you are, the better you are: the sport where age is an advantage
Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport. The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits. "For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David. Read more from The Senior: Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths. David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds. David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased. "Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior. "Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying." The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives. David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes". "A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea. "Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact. "It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies." Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life. "You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said. And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming. "It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said. "It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver." The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving. Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68 Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport. The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits. "For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David. Read more from The Senior: Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths. David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds. David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased. "Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior. "Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying." The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives. David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes". "A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea. "Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact. "It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies." Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life. "You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said. And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming. "It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said. "It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver." The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving. Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68 Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport. The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits. "For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David. Read more from The Senior: Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths. David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds. David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased. "Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior. "Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying." The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives. David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes". "A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea. "Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact. "It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies." Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life. "You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said. And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming. "It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said. "It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver." The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving. Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68 Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Getting dolled up in neoprene and diving underwater is like Tai Chi of the sea for David King, 70, and Andrea Parke, 64, who say age is an advantage with this sport. The couple, known as the "Old'n'Bold Freedivers", are part of a movement slowly growing in popularity and gaining widespread attention for its calming properties and health benefits. "For most people, freediving is more akin to Tai Chi, involving relaxation, mindfulness and self-awareness. A sense of freedom and being at one with the ocean is what drives many people to take it up," said David. Read more from The Senior: Freediving is a form of diving underwater without the use of breathing apparatus like scuba gear, instead relying on breath-holding to reach the depths. David and Andrea aren't doing it to win world records, but the pair from Porarlington in Victoria can dive to a depth of 16 to 18 metres and comfortably hold their breaths from around 40 seconds to one minute 40 seconds. David, a reformed smoker and asthmatic, said freediving "gave him a reason" to get over his asthma while the pain he gets from scoliosis is eased. "Being in the water is pure heaven as I'm weightless and feel no discomfort," he told The Senior. "Being older and having a slower metabolism actually helps with freediving, and we're beginning to see a growing number of people in their 50s, 60s, and even 70s enjoying." The pair said many people had misconceptions about freediving and confused it with scuba (which can result in greater risk of Decompression Sickness DCS as you age), while "daredevil" is a label far from reality, they said, due to the amount of safety protocols around dives. David said you don't need to dive to extreme depths or hold your breath for extreme periods of time to enjoy yourself, though some physical fitness and needed - it's not a sport for "couch potatoes". "A lot of people - especially older people - who take up freediving come from other sports like running, swimming, tennis, cricket, basketball," added Andrea. "Some of them find they can't continue with those sports as they get older because of the impact on their bones and joints, so they're looking for something more gentle that doesn't entail physical impact or contact. "It's like a form of meditation. We learn to relax before we hold our breath, and while we're we holding our breath. We don't panic when we feel the urge to breathe because we know we've got plenty of oxygen left in our bodies." Focusing his time on exploring the depths of the sea with just his breath has been life-changing for David, helping him become "a much calmer and more centred person" and changing the whole outlook on life. "You can't ... dive with a whale shark or a manta ray or a giant black stingray and not be changed in some way by that experience," David said. And as for the freediving "scene"? Andrea has never known a sport more welcoming. "It doesn't matter who you are, what your disabilities are, or where you come from, it only matters that you're one of us: a freediver," she said. "It doesn't even matter how 'good' or 'bad' you are, because if you're good you can always have a bad day and if you're not good you can always improve. And if you're not actually a freediver, you're still welcome because we hope you might become a freediver." The pair recommended getting a health check with your doctor first if over 60 and keen to start diving. Find them on YouTube @oldnboldfreedivingadvent-DK68 Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
The Advertiser
25-07-2025
- The Advertiser
How could housework and AI help us live healthier and longer lives?
Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex. University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer. While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength. Read more from The Senior He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits. "When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said. "That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active." Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said. Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats. He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week. Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD). Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear. The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body. Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said. She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible. "If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said. Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases. "We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's." She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake. If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late. The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition, The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging. Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex. University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer. While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength. Read more from The Senior He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits. "When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said. "That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active." Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said. Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats. He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week. Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD). Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear. The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body. Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said. She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible. "If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said. Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases. "We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's." She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake. If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late. The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition, The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging. Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex. University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer. While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength. Read more from The Senior He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits. "When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said. "That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active." Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said. Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats. He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week. Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD). Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear. The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body. Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said. She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible. "If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said. Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases. "We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's." She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake. If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late. The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition, The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging. Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE. Have you been putting off doing the weeding or giving the windows a good scrub? This expert's advice may have you reaching for the gardening gloves or Windex. University of South Australia sports scientist Grant Tomlinson has studied the benefits of regular exercise on healthy ageing for years and says applying a little elbow grease may help you live longer. While the benefits of cardiovascular fitness are well known, Professor Tomlinson said it's just as important to maintain muscle strength. Read more from The Senior He said chores like moving things around the house, mowing the lawn, gardening, wringing out wet washing, carrying groceries, or hanging washing on the line could yield numerous health benefits. "When we typically think of fitness, you know, like muscle fitness, we do think of smelly, sweaty people in the gym, pushing lots of weights with veins popping out of their forehead and bloodshot eyes and sweat dripping off their forehead," he said. "That's not necessarily the truth.... doing those everyday household chores can provide enough resistance to help keep you on the right track, particularly as you get older, when we tend to be less physically active." Keeping the muscles active can help with daily tasks and reduce the risk of falls because stronger muscles help a person to reposition the body if they slip or stumble, he said. Maintaining muscle strength can also reduce the risk of cognitive decline, as well as the development of diseases like osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. While housework is a good way to maintain muscle strength, especially for those who have not been maintaining a regular exercise routine, Professor Tomlinson also recommends other strength exercises like lifting weights, riding a bike or squats. He said older adults should aim for three sessions of resistance or muscle and bone strengthening exercise a week. Professor Tomlinson will talk about the benefits of regular exercise for healthy ageing at an upcoming exhibition at the University of South Australia's Museum of Discovery (MOD). Also speaking during the panel discussion will be Lyndsey Collins-Praino, who is at the forefront of exciting research that could one day see AI used to identify signs of dementia and Parkinson's disease long before symptoms appear. The neuroscientist believes clues that a person is at risk of developing neurodegenerative conditions like dementia and Parkinson's can be found in the body. Proteins found in blood, saliva and tears, and information from brain scans could help scientists identify these diseases early enough to slow their progression, or possibly even stop it altogether, she said. She said symptoms associated with dementia and Parkinson's do not start until the diseases are well advanced and irreversible. "If we can tell who might be at risk... we can involve them in clinical trials early, we can have better monitoring of them, we can intervene earlier when problems do start to occur, and potentially even be able to stop that conversion [progression of the disease.] That's the ultimate hope," she said. Associate Professor Collins-Praino and her team are looking at ways AI can be utilised to identify people who are predisposed to developing these diseases. "We're using the latest technologies, things like AI, to help us to pick out biological patterns that help us to predict risk of things like dementia and Parkinson's." She said there are a number of known lifestyle factors that could reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 40 per cent, including improved diet, exercise, and reduced alcohol intake. If scientists can determine that a person is at risk of developing these conditions, lifestyle changes and potentially drug treatments could stop them from developing the disease before it's too late. The panel discussion will take place as part of the university's Forever exhibition, The exhibition draws on the expertise of over 30 researchers and experts in neuroscience, exercise science, sociology, anthropology and physics to explore the relationship between time, memory and aging. Do You Want To Live Forever?; Museum of Discovery, University of South Australia, 6-7.30pm, August 14. Details: Share your thoughts in the comments below, or send a Letter to the Editor by CLICKING HERE.
