Please check this page for links to people and information to help you in your efforts to stay fit and healthy.
INSPIRATION
If you want to be inspired, check out Ernestine Shepherd, world’s oldest performing female body builder. If she doesn’t prove that muscles don’t age, I don’t know who does.
Just a few short years ago, a Vancouver woman, Olga Kotelko, passed away at 95, having won accolades for being a track star. She only started at 77!
There’s also a cool video (spring 2013) about an 86 year old gymnast. You have to watch this.
Testimonial
(Sue is) better than a Peloton!
Leslie, 2022
LOCAL (SOUTH COWICHAN) REFERENCES
These are knowledgeable specialists who I would refer you to depending on your specific issues.
Willow Somatics – effective, gentle stretches that help relieve chronic pain and that you can learn to do at home on your own.
Valleyview Chiropractic – gentle body manipulation.
Cowichan Seniors Community Foundation – providing access to resources for local seniors and their families.
NUTRITION AND WELLNESS
Canada Food Guide
Tufts University newsletter-great source of the latest science on nutrition and fitness
Go For Life, a website on healthy aging
Calorie Counters:
How to Calculate Burned Calories
My Fitness Pal
SPECIFIC CHALLENGES:
Alzheimer’s Society of Canada
Arthritis Society of Canada; WikiHOW Excercises for Arthritis Sufferers
Canadian Lung Association
Canadian National Institute for the Blind
The Hearing Foundation of Canada
Heart and Stroke Foundation
Osteoporosis Canada; Osteofit (Women’s Hospital Vancouver)
Parkinson Canada; PWR!Moves – A Parkinson-Specific Home Exercise Program
MS Society of Canada
Vancouver Coastal Health (Fall Prevention)
BOOKS
Stuart McGill, The Back Mechanic: The Step by Step McGill Method to fix back pain
Dr. Stuart McGill is a Canadian scientist whose research is world renowned. His core exercises are scientifically proven effective and are the primary exercises I recommend to clients. The BackFit program that you have probably heard about is based on his method. If you have back problems, read this book. Period.
Tufts Health & Wellness Letter – Books
As mentioned above, Tufts University is an excellent source of science-based research on health and fitness. They also offer a wide range of books, at reasonable prices, to help seniors keep fit, including help with specific problems such as arthritis, osteoporosis, etc.
Chris Crowley and Henry Lodge, Younger Next Year – for Women or for Men.
This book made me realize that I could actually become stronger and be fitter in my 60s than in my 40s. Which is now true for me! It’s hugely informative about how exercise affects the body but it’s also funny and inspiring. A must-read.
Jeff Galloway, Running Until You’re 100.
Galloway is one of the best-known writers about running. He explains how intervals of running and walking can keep you moving well into your later years. I am using his principles with all of my clients, but I have a 74-year old lady who has really taken this to heart and now I’m having troubles keeping up!
HELPFUL PRODUCTS
Resource Guide for Mattresses
For all of us, but in particular people with any kind of disability, a good night’s sleep is essential. Here is information about sleep and bedding that you may wish to check out.