These Senior Skiers Are Still Chasing Powder in Their 80s and 90s is the headline of a recent New York Times story. Why is this interesting? Is it because they are anomalies that make it extraordinary? Isn’t skiing a young person’s sport?
It is most likely newsworthy because we read and understand that age diminishes strength and stamina and bone density and cardiovascular health. Yes, but here they are.
They are the 70+Ski Club and the Wild old Bunch (note lower case old) and the Over the Hill Gang and the Silver Griffins, to name a few senior ski clubs.
“According to Fran Ando, 92, “I wouldn’t be skiing much without this group,” referring to the 70+ Ski Club, a national group that goes on trips across the United States and beyond. Last summer, she skied with the club in New Zealand; this February, she joined them in Salt Lake City.”
What these “mature” skiers say without exception is that these groups provide an esprit de corps. “Aging often means isolation.” According to geriatric professor Dr. Ashwin Kotwal, “Our social connections are tied to all sorts of physical health conditions, from memory to heart disease.”
Organized in 1973, the Wild old Bunch has around 115 members. They agree that strength training and agility exercises throughout the year are critical to senior skiing. And rules such as skiing on terrain they know, skiing during the week when it is less crowded and respecting your limits. The members gather off the slopes, and off season with friends and spouses who do not ski. They agree that the companionship and camaraderie are as important as skiing.
Having just returned from a girl friends ski trip in Utah, I can say that the skiing was great fun and beautiful but the girlfriends’ time was even more fun. One gal pal came with a broken ankle and could not ski but still have a fabulous time being with friends.
The takeaway here is that keeping fit and engaged are keys to successful aging. No one has to be a skier or super athlete to make the effort to walk or use light weights. And it is never too late to devote a portion of time to staying “fit”. Research has proven that walking several times a week improves stamina and overall health. Someone suggested keeping a strengthening journal. Without a doubt, everyone we interviewed has been enthusiastic in their response and continues to see the difference in their overall stamina and strength.
Equally as important, reach out and find interests that you can share with others be it a book club or walking group. Volunteers are needed in so many organizations particularly today. Or consider taking a class through community learning programs.
The lesson is that it is never too late to meet new people and it is never too late to find new ways to be physically active. The lesson is Go for it!
Ciao
Lucy and Claudia