Women Are Living Longer. But Are We Living Better?

We have more evidence than ever that ageing doesn't have to mean automatically becoming weaker, stiffer and less independent. Our bodies adapt and that gives us an opportunity to change what our later years can look like.

The latest UK figures show that women have a life expectancy of around 83 years, compared with 79 years for men. But women are expected to spend around 73% of their lives in “good” general health.

That leaves a significant number of years where health, mobility, strength or independence may become more challenging.

And this is the bit I really want to challenge.

We don't have to simply accept that getting older means becoming weaker, stiffer, less mobile, less independent and having less fun!

Your body is designed to adapt

One of the most encouraging things about our bodies is that they respond to what we ask of them.

This works both ways.

If we stop moving, our bodies adapt to doing less. We can gradually become weaker, stiffer and less capable.

But if we challenge our bodies appropriately, they can adapt in the other direction too.

Give your muscles resistance and they can become stronger.

Challenge your balance and coordination and you can continue to practise those skills.

Move your joints regularly and you can help maintain mobility.

Walk, lift, squat, carry, push, pull, reach, twist and get up and down from the floor and you're giving your body reasons to remain capable of doing those things.

Your body doesn't know that you're 40, 50, 60 or 70. It responds to the demands you place on it.

Why does muscle matter so much?

Muscle isn't just about looking toned or being able to lift heavier weights.

Strength helps us do the things that make up everyday life:

• Carrying shopping

• Getting up from a chair or the floor

• Climbing stairs

• Lifting and carrying grandchildren

• Gardening and travelling

• Maintaining balance and reacting when we stumble

• Supporting our bones and joints

• Staying independent for longer

Strength and balance are particularly important as we get older because maintaining physical function can help reduce the risk of falls and support mobility and independence. The World Health Organization recommends muscle-strengthening activity at least twice a week for adults, alongside regular aerobic activity; for older adults, it also specifically recommends activities that develop balance and strength.

And it doesn't have to mean spending hours in a gym.

It's never too late to start

Perhaps you've never lifted weights before.

Perhaps you don't feel strong.

Perhaps you've noticed that things you used to do easily are becoming a little harder.

And perhaps you've started to worry about what the next 20, 30 or 40 years might look like 😧

That's not a reason to give up. It's a reason to start.

You don't need to suddenly become a gym bunny.

You don't need to lift enormous weights. And you certainly don't need to know exactly what you're doing from day one.

You just need to start giving your body a little more of what it needs.

Then, gradually, you can build from there.

Surely, we don't just want to live for as long as possible. We want to live well... happy and healthy!

To keep walking.
Keep travelling.
Keep playing.
Keep exercising.
Keep getting down on the floor and back up again.
Keep saying yes to the things you enjoy.

So, if you're not strength training… why not?

Maybe you're worried you'll do it wrong.

Maybe weights feel intimidating.

Maybe you think you're too old to start.

Or maybe you simply don't know where to begin.

That's exactly why I created Lift4Life.

It's a simple, supportive way to start building strength without feeling like you need to know everything before you begin.

Because you don't. You just need to start. And your body will respond.

Start where you are. Build from there. And give your future self something to thank you for.

Check out Lift4Life and find out whether this is the right step for you: https://www.josteelewellness.com/pages/lift4life