#ElderlyFitness

In today’s fast-paced world, selecting the most effective strength training method can be perplexing for many. A recent discussion among internationally recognized experts sheds new light on which strategies work best, and why. Their guidance, supported by recent scientific studies, highlights a practical and inclusive approach for people of all ages — including Thais seeking healthier, longer, and more active lives (AP News).

Understanding the best way to build muscle and maintain health is now more critical than ever for Thai readers, as rates of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions continue to rise in Thailand (WHO Thailand). Strength or resistance training — sometimes called weight training — is increasingly recognized as a key tool for disease prevention, functional independence, and overall wellbeing. Yet, with multiple options available, from free weights to bodyweight routines, many Thais are unsure where to begin, or which path is most effective.

A new wave of Hollywood stars is redefining what it means to age gracefully, with familiar faces like Harrison Ford and Jane Fonda displaying remarkable vitality and physical agility well into their seventies and beyond. Recent interviews and expert insights, highlighted in a feature by Hello! Magazine, uncover how a combination of consistent exercise, proper nutrition, and social engagement keep these luminaries fitter than ever, challenging old stereotypes about aging and physical decline (Hello Magazine).

At age 80, legendary singer Rod Stewart is not only performing at iconic events like Glastonbury but setting an inspiring standard for fitness in older adults, thanks to a demanding training regimen developed with his longtime personal trainer. The latest feature in The Times details Stewart’s multi-faceted approach to staying “Glasto-fit”, which blends elements of strength, mobility, and aquatic training—an approach capturing attention among health experts and senior wellness advocates worldwide (thetimes.com).

In an era where maintaining physical activity is widely recognized as a cornerstone of healthy aging, a new research initiative has found an unexpected ally in the quest to help older adults achieve greater fitness: music. Groundbreaking studies from the Physical Activity and Cognition (PAC) Research Lab at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNC Greensboro) are unlocking the power of rhythm and movement to bolster the health, strength, and cognitive function of seniors—findings with growing relevance as Thailand faces rapid population aging and related health challenges [UNC Greensboro News].

A new case study on a 77-year-old marathon runner whose physical fitness mirrors that of women five decades younger is causing scientists and the world to rethink what is possible during the aging process. The findings, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology and attracting international attention, highlight both the extraordinary accomplishments of lifelong athlete Jeannie Rice and the broader lessons her life offers for healthy aging globally—including in Thailand, where aging populations are becoming a central health and socioeconomic concern.