High-intensity strength training at 96?

Imagine coaxing your grandfather or great grandmother to start a high-intensity strength training program. Conventional wisdom suggests sitting quietly in a rocking chair might be action enough, but then conventional wisdom would be wrong.

Many studies have demonstrated the value of resistance training for older adults, but in particular, high-intensity strength training has shown to be of particular benefit for older adults up to age 96.

Regular exercise, including strength training, has been shown to improve not only physical measures of function, but also mental measures as well. When you consider the amount of deconditioning that occurs after an adult enters the work force sometime in their late teens or early twenties, it is no surprise that by the time they get into their 50s and 60s, they are hading down a road to severe deconditioning and all the chronic diseases and conditions that go with it.

Regardless of your age, and even if you are in your 70s, 80s, or 90s, start a regular exercise program, including strength training and possibly high-intensity strength training. Check with your physician first (although they may not be "in the know" of the latest research), and work with a qualified fitness professional to get you started.
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References:

British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2009 Jan;43(1):25-7. Epub 2008 Nov 19. Review.
Health Promotion Journal of Australia. 2009 Apr;20(1):42-7.

Journal of the American Medical Association. 1990 Jun 13;263(22):3029-34.

Death related to sedentary living

Dying a sedentary death

Did you know that 25% of deaths in Canada over the age of 45 are a direct result of sedentary living?

What are you doing about your lifestyle to ensure you will not only have the quantity of life you want, but the quality as well?

You should aim to be physically active every day of the week (golf with an electric cart does not count) with increasing levels of activity as your body adapts. Weight bearing activity is best, but anything will do if you are just starting.

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Reference:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/pau-uap/paguide/back3e.html