Thank you so much for this post. I'm a little younger than your Mom (76) but I have become derailed through back surgery that has left me 'not as I was'. I too do regular exercises at the counter - 3 x a day while the coffee brews, have bought a treadmill for winter walking but haven't used it as often as I should. My hands have never been my strong point but I can open jars by banging them upside down on the counter - it's the narrow necks that completely stop me; I can't grip them tightly enough to open but some can be opened by my banging technique. I'm like your mom - don't want help unless I need it. Because of my mobility issues I have difficulty preparing my own meals (I live alone) so I have transitioned to a meal service that so far (two weeks in) has provided me with tasty healthy meals to which I only have to sometimes add extra vegetables because there isn't enough. I'm going to get that book you recommended from the online library (hope it's available). Thanks again.
Thanks for highlighting this important issue! We do lose our muscle mass as we age (beginning around 35!) but it creeps up on us. There are so many things — other than go to the gym! — that we can do to slow this process. Perhaps most of all, doing it together. What a wonderful gift you are giving your Mom!
Thanks for this article and the book recommendation. Reminds me of when I was helping my mom, aged 89, gone 6 years now but just days before her death we walked a hilly mile together. I miss her so much!
Now I’m grappling with turning 70 and your article is inspiring.
Wondering about your view of whether having a conscious of protein Whole Foods vegan lifestyle is sufficient to maintain strength and muscle. I am healthy 76 and Vegan.
Thank you so much for this post. I'm a little younger than your Mom (76) but I have become derailed through back surgery that has left me 'not as I was'. I too do regular exercises at the counter - 3 x a day while the coffee brews, have bought a treadmill for winter walking but haven't used it as often as I should. My hands have never been my strong point but I can open jars by banging them upside down on the counter - it's the narrow necks that completely stop me; I can't grip them tightly enough to open but some can be opened by my banging technique. I'm like your mom - don't want help unless I need it. Because of my mobility issues I have difficulty preparing my own meals (I live alone) so I have transitioned to a meal service that so far (two weeks in) has provided me with tasty healthy meals to which I only have to sometimes add extra vegetables because there isn't enough. I'm going to get that book you recommended from the online library (hope it's available). Thanks again.
Thanks for highlighting this important issue! We do lose our muscle mass as we age (beginning around 35!) but it creeps up on us. There are so many things — other than go to the gym! — that we can do to slow this process. Perhaps most of all, doing it together. What a wonderful gift you are giving your Mom!
Thank you Wendy! Yeah, I think it's important to talk about these things.
Thanks for this article and the book recommendation. Reminds me of when I was helping my mom, aged 89, gone 6 years now but just days before her death we walked a hilly mile together. I miss her so much!
Now I’m grappling with turning 70 and your article is inspiring.
At 76, I’ve noticed myself losing strength. Thanks for this; it’s just what I need.
Please stop advertising for Amazon.
Great article. I started strength training at age 69. Walker/runner for 20+ years, minimum 5 miles.
It’s so difficult to get the amount of protein you recommend when you’re vegan.
Wondering about your view of whether having a conscious of protein Whole Foods vegan lifestyle is sufficient to maintain strength and muscle. I am healthy 76 and Vegan.
I'm not sure - there are so many pro and con opinions about this... all I know is that protein is really important, especially as we grow older.