age-related stories
Respect Your Elders! (Especially This 74-Year-Old Bodybuilder)
Tsumoto Tosaka isn't your average septuagenarian. At 74, he's in such amazing shape that he recently took the top spot in the Japan Masters Bodybuilding Championship (held, fittingly, just a day before Japan's Respect for the Aged Day).
And just in case you're thinking that the only way to create a body like Tosaka's is to start lifting at an early age, know this -- Tosaka didn't begin weightlifting until he was in his 40s!
Tosaka told Reuters that he wants to send a message to other senior citizens: "Anyone can stay young and healthy if they exercise from time to time," he said. Many of his fellow countrymen are obviously already aware of this -- Japan has the longest life expectancy in the world, with more than 40,000 people over the age of 100.
Looking for more finely-aged inspiration? Just guess how many marathons this 81-year-old has completed!
Exercise - The Not-So-Secret Key to a Long Life
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| Photo: mcohen.chromiste, Flickr |
Dr. Jacobs and his team examined mortality rates among different age groups and activity levels over 18 years and found that exercise was a surefire way to increase lifespan. Consider these figures: Mortality rates over three years were at 24 percent for sedentary 85-year-olds, compared to just 7 percent for those who exercised around four hours a week. Not bad for just over half an hour of exercise a day, huh?
That's not all -- those who were active at 78 were almost twice as likely to be capable of performing everyday activities independently, such as bathing, dressing and so on. Surely that's reason enough to put in an extra sweat session every week?
"The take home message is that even among the very old, it never is too late to start exercising," says Dr. Jacobs, and we couldn't agree more.
New to fitness? Start off slowly with a gentle exercise like yoga.
Walk Faster to Live Longer
Research presented at the IAGG World Congress of Gerontology and Geriatrics in Paris shows that, on average, those who walk fast tend to live longer. The study, which took place over 20 years and involved participants with an average age of 74, compared gait speed and longevity, and found that those who maintained a pace of 1.4 meters per second or faster were over twice as likely to be alive 10 years later -- and the gap was even bigger after 15 years. Interesting, huh? I would have predicted fast walkers to be more stressed out and therefore prone to more heart attacks, but these findings held true regardless of other factors like race, ethnicity and overall health.
Of course, walking slowly is better than not walking at all, so if you're not pounding the pavement, get moving. Already doing your share of walking? Consider picking up the pace -- and sticking to it.
Stevie Nicks - 13 Minutes Keeps Her Slim
Diet & Weight Loss, Celebs & Entertainment
Stevie Nicks has dropped the extra weight she's been carrying around since the 80s, and, at 60 years old, the singer is looking slim and sexy and is wearing a size 8. She's currently touring with Fleetwood Mac and feels great, and fortunately, she shared some of her secrets with "People" magazine.
For one thing, she doesn't blame herself for the weight gain. She was on tranquilizers when she put on the pounds, and acknowledges that the drugs played a major role. Nicks said that, had that not been the case, "I would have stayed at 125 pounds from 1985 and [later on] probably would have weighed about 130 pounds. That would have been way better than fighting to get back to 130 lbs. from 175 lbs." Additionally, she's not feeling pressure to get super skinny: "You don't have to weigh 105 lbs. Weigh 125 lbs. and stay there."So, how did she lose the weight? She credits her Power Plate workouts, saying, "I do it every other day for 13 minutes. You can't get results faster than that."
Hottest Celebs Over 40
By AOL Health Editors
Lisa Rinna
Rinna turned heads and stole the headlines for posing for the May 2009 "Playboy" cover at age 45. In an interview with That's Fit, she explains how she stays in shape after having kids. While she's always been a fan of exercise, being on "Dancing With the Stars" has changed her entire workout philosophy. "Dance is such an overall workout...that also makes you really, really happy... what's more fun than dancing?"
PLAYBOY Magazine
Demi Moore
If you were a 46-year-old toting around 31-year-old arm candy, you might worry about looking young, or at least try to look your best. But we hear that this actress is willing to drop more than six figures a year to sustain her fit figure -- covering the cost of personal trainers, equipment and Pilates classes, among other things.
Pascal Le Segretain, Getty Images
Valerie Bertinelli
After shedding 50 pounds, 48-year-old Bertinelli graced the cover of "People" magazine, clad in a bikini -- for the first time in 20 years. This former teen star and current Jenny Craig spokeswoman ditched the excess weight by cutting calories, running five days a week and doing strength-training exercises with her personal trainer.
Jean-Paul Aussenard, WireImage
Kathy Ireland
This 46-year-old former "Sports Illustrated" swimsuit model and current CEO, author and mother, recently had a wake-up call that she was carrying some extra weight, from her son of all people. After he told her she looked pregnant, she stepped on the scales to find she'd gained 25 pounds. A friend, who's a personal trainer and nutritionist, helped her plan healthier meals, cut back on snacks and sweets and incorporate three exercise sessions a week. As a result she's lost nearly all of the added pounds.
Jonathan Exley / Kathy Ireland Worldwide
Sheryl Crow
This Grammy winner is nearly as famous for her albums as she is for her show-stopping body. When the 46-year-old recently stepped out on the red carpet looking more toned and fit than ever, she shared that her incredible figure was the result of a regimen of yoga, Pilates and P90X workouts.
The sweat-inducing system, created by trainer Tony Horton, is made up of 12 different workouts designed to create "muscle confusion" by introducing new moves to beat boredom and avoid plateaus. There's also a three-phase diet plan that focuses on lean protein, complex carbs and limiting fat.
Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic
Courteney Cox Arquette
Our favorite 'Friend' and soulless tabloid journalist has only gotten better looking with age. Cox Arquette's secret weapon for those cut arms and toned legs? Tennis and Budokon, an intense workout integrating yoga, martial arts and meditation. Cox Arquette has also been said to use the Blood Type Diet.
Starface, Retna
Kim Cattrall
Our pick for sexiest of the "Sex and the City" pack is also the oldest. And at 51, we think Kim Cattrall looks even more fabulous now than she did when the show first debuted. Cattrall has said that exercise is crucial for her and that without it she feels sluggish. When she can't make it to the gym for a 30-minute workout, she likes to walk.
MAP/Splash News
Daniel Craig
How does hottie Daniel Craig get Bond buff? It's no surprise that there's a lot of weight lifting in his fitness routine. Craig has said that a routine centered around weights was the only way to bulk up in the short time he had to prepare for "Casino Royale." But for his next Bond venture, the 40-year-old stunning star is mixing up his heavy lifting routine with boxing and running.
Splash News
Madonna
Madonna may be single-handedly responsible for helping yoga and Pilates go mainstream. With her enviable arms and taut abs, her body is a walking advertisement for the two fitness disciplines which she has long practiced. Her high water intake (three liters a day) and strict diet that bans processed foods, alcohol, caffeine and dairy also helps keep the 49-year-old slim. But we're sure the two-hour sessions of dancing and hitting the Hybrid Body Reformer (a pulley-system machine) that she does six times a week don't hurt.
Dave Hogan, Getty Images
Jamie Foxx
The Jamie Foxx workout doesn't involve exclusive gyms or personal trainers. He keeps it simple. Every morning he does four sets of pushups, situps and crunches. But not all at once, mind you. He breaks up the workout with chores. A set of pushups. Brush teeth. One set of ab exercises. Take a shower. And so on. That way, he doesn't have to make time for exercise, it's just part of his morning routine.
Chris Gordon, WireImage.com
Cindy Crawford's Hot Body Defies Age
Forty-three is by no means old -- not even close -- but you have to admit that keeping fit doesn't get any easier as we age. Cindy Crawford, however, seems to have put the aging process on hold. She recently stripped down -- completely down -- for the anti-aging section of the latest issue of "Allure" magazine (on newsstands now). And I'll tell you what -- she looked just as good, if not better, than any woman half her age could hope to look.So what's her secret? Well, she follows a strict skin care routine including "a day cream with antioxidants, a sunscreen, a night cream, and an eye cream," and makes use of microdermabrasion to keep her skin looking flawless.
As far as her fabulous figure, she's said before that she doesn't find time to exercise; she makes time. And, reportedly, she sips on vinegar to keep her appetite at bay. Additionally, she told "Michigan Avenue Magazine" last fall, "I exercise and eat pretty well, and I'm not a big drinker. I want my kids to see their mom eating normally. If we go for ice cream, I might get the tiny size, but I'll eat it. I don't want my daughter to think she can't eat ice cream."
Julia Louis Dreyfus - Sexy and Shapely at 48
When I think of Julia Louis Dreyfus, lots of things come to mind. Aside from having a winning smile, she's funny and quirky on her current show, "The New Adventures of Old Christine," and man, does she ever have some great hair. And who can forget her "Seinfeld" character Elaine's ridiculous dancing skills (if you can call them that)?
However, it turns out that, at 48 years old (yes, really, 48), Julia can include wicked sexy and in shape to her list of attributes. She's on the April cover of "Shape" magazine, and girlfriend is stunning in a bikini top and cardigan. (By the way, does anyone ever actually wear a cardigan over a bikini top? Because, I never see it in real life, but I'm kind of digging it.)
What's even better is that she's truly earned that body. She hasn't been nipped or tucked, and she doesn't have plans to go under the knife any time soon, saying, "Of course if things start to fall, I may have to do something to pull it all up. But seriously, the whole idea scares me. My mom never had it done and she looks fantastic. Hopefully I'll follow in her footsteps." Plus, her husband is totally against the idea, which always makes a bit of difference.
Ohio Woman Exercises Her Husband to Death
If someone goes to the gym with me, they know they can count on me to push them -- I get them to try new exercises, use heavier weights, and go just a little longer on the treadmill. But, of course, if they really want to stop, it's fine with me. However, that wasn't the case for a 41-year-old Ohio woman and her 73-year-old husband.Christine Newton-John recently pleaded guilty to reckless homicide and faces up to five years in prison for exercising her husband, James Mason, to death in their swimming pool. Surveillance video showed Newton-John preventing Mason from leaving the pool 43 times, and showed him clearly struggling for breath.
There's more to the story than just the one incident, though -- Mason was a friend of Newton-John's family, first getting to know her when she was known as John Vallandingham, before he had gender reassignment surgery in 1993. The couple had only been married since 2006.
No comment has been made regarding motive (though it definitely doesn't sound like an accident), but I think it's safe to say a lot of people are going to be a bit more cautious about how hard they push their spouses and other loved ones in their workouts!
Baby Boomers - Avoid Health Risks With Diet and Exercise
Fitness, Nutrition & Supplements
I called my sister to wish her a happy birthday the other day, and she changed the subject as quickly as possible. She was born near the end of the baby boomer generation and, I guess, she's reached a point where she'd like to deny that she even has birthdays.If, like my sister, you'd like to reverse the effects of aging, just step on board with a healthy lifestyle. Positive changes like quitting smoking, eating healthfully, and exercising regularly can have a big impact on health ... they can even help reduce your risk of conditions associated with aging.
Even if you haven't been leading a healthy lifestyle, it's never too late to start. U.S. News and World Report has an article detailing how healthy habits can lower your risk of conditions including Peripheral Artery Disease, Osteoporosis, and varicose veins.
Grandma-in-Chief Loves Her Yoga
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Marian Robinson, the 72-year-old mother of Michelle Obama, is getting lots of attention for her plans to move into the White House with her family (not a permanent plan, by the way -- she thinks the White House is like a museum, and, "how do you sleep in a museum?"). She simply wants to make sure her granddaughters, Malia and Sasha, get settled in comfortably.However, that's not the only interesting thing about the new Grandma-in-Chief -- did you know she loves yoga? Sasha and Malia's godmother, Eleanor "Mama Kaye" Wilson, is her Grandma's partner, and they take lessons from Robinson's little brother, 57-year-old Stephen Shields. Robinson told PEOPLE, "He's our youngest child out of seven children and he's the wisest. He has found a way to make a living doing what he likes to do, and I've always admired that."
So, we have a president who fits in a workout Every. Single. Day. We have a First Lady who makes fitness a top priority. And Grandma's in on the act, too? Let's hope our country is ready for a fit four years!
Carol Burnett - Her Top 4 Smart and Funny Fitness Tips
Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment, Reviews & Products
The secret to thin legs. How to plump up the appearance of a flat fanny. How to stay trim. What exercise does and doesn't count. Carol Burnett shared superb advice on all these topics.
I just saw the legendary funny woman last night and was fortunate enough to ask her a couple of questions. At 73 years young, she really does have a body most women would dream of at that age (including me). In fact, she's always had an amazing physique; just check out her old pics from The Carol Burnett Show!
Burnett is starring in Laughter and Reflection with Carol Burnett: A Conversation with Carol Where the Audience Asks the Questions and besides answering my questions, she answered some from the audience as well.
On the topic of how she keeps her legs so thin: "I shave off loads of excess hair each day."
-The ape woman population will benefit greatly from doing this.
Madonna Doesn't Age and a Playmate Works Out in Heels - January 3 to January 9
Diet & Weight Loss, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
This week's round-up looks like the blonde bombshell edition -- click on your favorite star's picture to read the scoop on her diet and fitness secrets!
Emerita Giveaway - We Have a Winner!
Many of you shared your biggest skincare problems with us for a chance to win an Emerita prize pack worth approximately $280, and from the sounds of it, there are a lot of fabulous over-40 ladies out there who could use some high-quality skincare products. Perhaps you should send the giveaway link on to your friends and family to show them what you really want to see under your tree this Christmas!Unfortunately, we can only select one winner, and the lucky reader who won last week's Fit Beauty Giveaway was Kim, who said, "I would love to try this! I have hit the dreaded menopause and am fighting the battle of the dry skin on the cheeks and eyes while still oily around the nose and chin." In addition to the skincare products, Kim will receive a zebra print scarf. You know, just in case she's not feeling sexy enough already!
Kim, you'll have to let us know how the products work for you. As for the rest of you, check out Emerita's website to see which of these natural products are the best match for your skin!
Giveaway Reminder - Emerita Skincare and a Stylish Bonus
When you're healthy, it shows. However, it's not just your muscles you need to take care of -- what about your skin?Luckily for all you fabulous 40+ ladies out there, this week's Fit Beauty giveaway is a fabulous assortment of Emerita skin care products, all formulated specifically for your skin. Because, let's face it -- wrinkles aren't the only skin issue women of a certain age face, right?
This really is a fantastic prize, valued at about $280. Even if it's not something you need for yourself, I bet you have a mom, aunt, neighbor, or someone else who would just love to find these products under her tree. Am I right? So head on over and enter -- it's super easy, and it just might be your lucky day!
How 'Scrubs' Star Sarah Chalke Stays Slim
We Love To Gawk At Fit Celebs, Fitness, Celebs & Entertainment
Sarah Chalke, best known for her work on Scrubs, has always been slender on-screen, but she doesn't look that way by accident, especially now.
After turning 30, Chalke says, "I had to really keep up with working out. You can't get lax about it anymore." At 32, she's looking as great as ever, so it seems she's figured out what she's got to do.Apparently, what she has to do is mix up her workout. "If I do one thing I would get way too bored," admits Chalke. And so, she shakes it up, hiking with Lola, her chocolate lab, doing yoga, and sweating it up with boot-camp workouts.
How about you? Did you notice a change in your metabolism at a certain age?
Giveaway - Emerita Skincare and a Stylish Bonus
I've talked about Emerita before here at Fit Beauty -- it's a great company that makes a wide range of fantastic products for fabulous women over 40. Looking for a skincare routine made to accommodate the changes you've seen in your skin as you've aged? Look no further -- whatever you need, I would bet they have.
And now, you might just have the chance to try out the whole line of high-quality skincare products for free with this week's Fit Beauty Giveaway! Here's what we're giving away this week:
- Microdermabrasion Face Scrub,
- Day Face Cream with SPF 15,
- Regular Day Face Cream,
- Night Face Cream,
- Dark Circle Eye Serum,
- Fine Line Eye Serum,
- Moisturizing Face Cleanser,
- Deep Hydrating Body Lotion,
- and Exfoliating Face Cleanser.
And, because you'll be looking fierce and feeling frisky after using all these products, we're throwing in a Pink Zebra Animal Print Scarf from The Pashmina Store, too!
Entering the giveaway couldn't be easier. See below for details.
- To enter, leave a confirmed comment below saying what your biggest skincare problem is.
- The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, December 12, 2008.
- You may enter only once.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
- One winner will receive one Emerita goodie bag and one Pink Zebra Print Scarf (valued at $280!).
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older.
Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!
