Taking the Gold After 50
Every couple of years you hear an age that is supposed to be the “new” something. Apparently 90 is the “new 60” and 50 is the “new 30.” Whatever that is supposed to mean, it is true that there are plenty of options for aging adults to incorporate treatments into their lifestyle to rejuvenate their energy levels and feel younger for longer. One of these treatment options is hormone replacement therapy, and in Rochester Hills in particular this type of treatment is keeping many adults up and running (both mentally, metaphorically and physically!) long into retirement.
The summer Olympics are currently underway in London, and there really isn’t a more inspirational time than the Olympic Games. Every two years we keep our eyes glued to the TV and root for the United States to take home the gold, and every once in a while we learn enough about a particular athlete to become truly inspired.
This summer in London there are a handful of athletes who are over the age of 50 but still competing for the United States, and plenty more that aren’t in the Olympics but are still downright impressive. These athletes defy the tests of time and excuses of age to power through hardships by staying motivated and ambitious.
Take for example Eileen Philippa Raschker, the 65 year old track star who has won 68 gold medals from the World Masters Athletic Championships and holds 22 world records in track and field events. Raschker is considered one of the finest athletes in the world, but during the day she is an accountant who faces the changes of age just like everyone else. There is also Laura Sophiea, the 57 year old triathlon runner who was awarded the title of “Grand Master” after her athletic performances this year.
One of the most impressive athletes of all is Ed Whitlock, the 80 year old marathon runner who just this year ran a full marathon (26.2 miles) in less than three and a half hours—an impressive time that most of us half his age couldn’t accomplish. Whitlock ran frequently during his 20s, but took more than two decades off of the sport and didn’t start up again until he was over 40. This summer in London, Olympic hopefuls Karen O’Conner (age 54), Rich Fellers (52) and Jan Ebeling (53) are all on the United States Equestrian team, and there is another large handful of athletes over the age of 40 who are competing in different events, as well.
As someone facing the changes of age and undergoing hormone replacement therapy to resume normalcy, seeing the ambition and determination of these athletes over 50 is purely inspiring. There is no reason to let your age hold you back. If you have always wanted to run a marathon or learn to play a new sport, then do it! It is never too late to improve your health and try something new. In fact, by becoming more active and stimulating your mind through exercise, trying out new things can actually enhance your anti-aging efforts!