Sport in old age: Dare to do something new

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100 ideas for a better life: The sports advice.

Quality comes before quantity: attach importance to the correct execution of the exercises.

Cavan / Imago

100 ideas for a better life

Where is the most pleasant place to live in Switzerland? Why are the Finns so happy? And what exactly happens next for those who risked too much and lost everything? “NZZ am Sonntag” publishes 100 stories that will help you navigate through difficult times.

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Doing sports can be fulfilling, make you feel good about your body, have a positive impact on physical and mental health and can be a place for social interaction – at every stage of life. In certain phases, however, many people hardly have the time to exercise. If you have it back one day and are motivated to exercise, you may be plagued by doubts given your age: Are you too old to start a new sport?

The following lines are intended to serve as a little sports medicine guide and encouragement to try something new, regardless of age:

Health requirements. Unfortunately, certain medical restrictions arise as life progresses. No matter what it is, some form of exercise is still almost always possible! Before you begin, discuss your wishes and ideas with a specialist and have yourself examined and advised.

Patience and continuity. The older you get, the longer it takes for your body to adapt and make visible progress in the face of new forms of movement. We’re talking months to years here. The joy of this path itself should be the central goal. Don’t compare yourself to younger people.

Quality before quantity. As you get older, the quality of movement execution and correct learning of the movement sequence are absolutely central to avoiding injuries. Invest more in personal, expert instruction and support.

Regeneration. The recovery time is generally longer. Whether it’s a break from stress during interval units or the number of recovery days after training: take your time. Listen to your body when it is ready for another high-quality workout.

Individuality. Regardless of the sport, there is little to almost no literature and training plans aimed at older absolute beginners. The specified regeneration phases and stress intensities are often completely unrealistic. So write your own story and have the courage to walk this path and pass on your experiences to others! I only discovered my enthusiasm for triathlons when I was 50. Age is not a disease, but an exciting sporting challenge.

Natina Schregenberger works as a sports doctor in the city of Zurich and is the mother of two daughters.

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100 ideas for a better life

Where is the most pleasant place to live in Switzerland? Why are the Finns so happy? And what exactly happens next for those who risked too much and lost everything? “NZZ am Sonntag” publishes 100 stories that will help you navigate through difficult times.