Latest news with #activeaging
The Guardian
2 days ago
- Health
- The Guardian
What about fitness tips for those of us aged 90 and above?
Hannah Coates' article (From strength training in your 20s to yoga in your 80s: how to reach peak fitness at any age, 31 May) covered ages up to 80, as did another similar article earlier in the week (28 May). What about those over 90 like myself, 94, still active on the rowing machine (11 minutes 16 seconds for 2,000 metres)? In the same week, there was also an article describing a very fit 105-year-old. Our county, Surrey, is home to Britain's oldest person at 115. Don't forget the over-90s in your articles on BentleyEnglefield Green, Surrey I and my 80-plus-year-old friends fell about (voluntarily) laughing when we read that we can consider ourselves 'in good form' if we can walk unaided for 10 minutes. Since many of us regularly hike, garden, swim, cycle and play tennis, we clearly need to examine much more closely the fitness standards for our age group. Or maybe we should just retire to our Bath chairs?Shirley FosterSheffield I didn't know whether to laugh or cry when I read your article. Yes, my 82-year-old neighbour can walk unaided for 10 minutes – he's just completed two complete circuits of Richmond Park on his bike. My wife, a 77-year-old whippersnapper, walks six miles with our dogs each day, has recently completed the Couch to 5K running programme, attends barre and yoga classes each week and teaches pilates. These are healthy people of a certain age. There are many just like them. Please don't confuse ageing with KayeSunbury-on-Thames, Surrey Hannah Coates describes a terrible cliff edge at 80, when we should apparently be pleased if we can walk for 10 minutes. I first joined a rambling club 20 years ago, when I was in my early 60s. I can walk 10 miles unaided, thank you for asking. It may take me five hours VauxLondon It was great to read about Sarah Roberts ('Never think you're too old': meet the world's fastest 75-year-old woman, 31 May). As a 61-year-old, I was reminded of a recent run I did on holiday. After I had finished, I looked at my new GPS-enabled sports watch my wife Tracy had recently bought me and was astonished to see I had run the last three miles at an average of 4 minutes 15 seconds per mile! It was only a short while after, I reminded myself I had been running around a cruise ship and we had been sailing at around 20 AdamsCirencester, Gloucestershire Have an opinion on anything you've read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication in our letters section.
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stroud-based online gym generates £1 million in social value
A STROUD-based personal trainer estimates his online gym has generated nearly £1 million in social value. James Hilton, founder of Jim's Gym, discovered the impact of his small business using UnLtd's Impact Measurement Tool. The tool measures the positive impact on social ventures, and indicated that Jim's Gym created just under a million pounds of "estimated social value" in its first year of trading. Mr Hilton said: "Jim's Gym was set up to show people over 55 how fun and effective home exercise can be, helping them reap the benefits of being more active without the hassle of a conventional gym. "I expected happy members who enjoy getting fit at their own pace, but the recent wellbeing survey blew me away." Jim's Gym is dedicated to helping people aged 55 and above remain active, mobile and independent through an innovative online platform offering classes that members can enjoy from the convenience of their front room. Cecile-Aure Ajavon, senior social impact analyst at UnLtd, explained how they put a price tag on "social impact." She said: "When we talk about social value, we mean estimating the wider value that positive changes can have on people and society—not just the direct benefits. "For example, if someone becomes more physically active, it doesn't just improve their health—it can also mean fewer visits to the doctor, better mental wellbeing, and even more confidence at work. "The tool uses trusted national research to give these kinds of changes a money value, based on how much they're likely to help people and reduce costs in other parts of society." Mr Hilton added: "Jim's Gym is more than an online fitness club. "I want it to be the first place people over 55 turn to when they want to get fit but don't fancy a traditional gym. "We're building a special community that's fun and accessible and actually keeps people engaged with lots of options, daily live workouts, and nutrition support, plus tai chi, yoga, pilates, dancercise, and more, all from home." For more information about James Hilton's work in fitness and well-being or to join, visit the Jim's Gym Fitness website.
