by Lesley Lyle | May, 2024 | Health, The Challenge Hub
As we age, it makes sense to prioritise our health and longevity. While many factors contribute to living a longer, healthier life, one of the most impactful is regular exercise. Research has revealed that regular physical activity in older adults can have as powerful an effect on life expectancy as giving up smoking. This encouraging finding highlights the importance of staying active as we age. The Benefits of Exercise in Old Age A study conducted with 5,700 elderly men in Norway revealed compelling results: those who exercised just three hours per week lived around five years longer than their sedentary counterparts. This demonstrates the significant impact that regular physical activity can have on longevity, even in the later stages of life. Moreover, the study found that even small amounts of exercise, such as six 30-minute sessions per week, were associated with a 40% lower risk of mortality over an 11-year period. Encouraging Fitness in Older Adults In light of these findings, there is a growing call for campaigns to encourage fitness among older individuals, especially for those over 65 but it’s never too early to start! The benefits of exercise are clear, it’s as beneficial as quitting smoking in terms of reducing mortality rates. Not only will you live longer but you may enjoy these extra years by staying active as you age. The All-in-One Challenge If you’re looking for a fun and effective way to kickstart your fitness journey, consider joining The Challenge Hub’s All in One Challenge. This innovative platform offers a variety of challenges designed to inspire and motivate the over over-55s to lead a healthier...
by Lesley Lyle | April, 2024 | The Challenge Hub
What Will You Do with Your One Wild and Precious Life? What would your answer be to this question? Gardening, jam making, crown bowling, reading books? Or perhaps you’re like many women who, out of necessity or choice, will continue working into their 70s and beyond? While these may be valuable and rewarding ways to spend your time, have you ever thought there might be a more exhilarating and ambitious alternative? Have you always had a dream or goal that seemed just out of reach due to lack of time, opportunity, responsibilities, or finances? Is it too late to revisit those dreams now? When Diana Nyad was faced with this question at age 60, she chose to attempt a non-stop swim from Cuba to Florida—a gruelling 110-mile journey. Facing ocean currents, thunderstorms, deadly box jellyfish and sharks, she had to confront the ultimate question: could she accomplish at age 60 what she couldn’t at age 30? While I won’t spoil the outcome, I do recommend the film ‘Nyad,’ which captures her incredible story starring Annette Benning and Jodie Foster So, what about you? We all have an unlived life—paths we might have taken if we hadn’t chosen our current one. What might we have tried? Who might we have become? Who might we still become? Is it too late to acquire a new skill, learn a new language, play an instrument, go backpacking, dance or gain a qualification? Only you can decide. But if self-limiting beliefs, lack of confidence, or motivation are the only hurdles stopping you, then perhaps it’s time to think again. Choosing a positive role model...
