Have these older Australians found the key to a longer, healthier life? Experts think so

At 64, Craig George claims to be ‘living proof’ of the benefits of high-intensity exercise.

Just one year ago, George underwent surgery for a new knee. He is among a rising number of older Australians to get a joint replaced.

“Part of my process was to come to the gym beforehand to keep muscle structure as strong as I possibly could,” George said.

“And I was back in the gym about eight days later.

A bare chested man stands holding a rope inside a gym.

Craig George is back in training after knee surgery. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

“Now I am surfing again, and able to run a bit if I want to. And I can do all the different gym activities here.”

George says it’s all thanks to Trudy Kristensen, a former Olympic gymnast and world-class aerial skier who has traded an international lifestyle to open her own gym.

‘It brings me so much joy’

Kristensen, 40, lives and works in the town of Woolgoolga on the NSW mid-north coast.

She co-owns CrossFit Woolgoolga and George is among her older clients, and part of a very motivated group.

“It brings me so much joy when I see an over 55-year-old doing more than a 20-year-old,” Kristensen said.

Close-up of a woman in a white t-shirt inside a gym.

Trudy Kristensen at her Woolgoolga gym. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

“This group really push themselves, and exercise gives them meaning and purpose, self-confidence.

“They find their physical and emotional capacities as they push through the discomfort.”

Exercise is vital for older people, Kristensen said, especially those recovering from surgery, including joint replacements.

More than 22 per cent of people aged over 85 and 13 per cent of those aged 65 to 84 signed up for joint replacement surgery in 2020, according to the National Institutes of Health.

A woman in a white top stands next to a man with a bare chest.

Cazzie (left) and Steve Pitsis, 60 at the gym. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

Living longer, healthier lives

However, Steve and Cazzie Pitsis say the training is about more than just fitness.

It’s also about a desire to live longer, healthier lives.

“We are both 60 now and we still want to be fit and able to do lots of good stuff with the grandkids when we’re 80 and 90,” Steve said.

Cazzie said: “We just love it because we do it together.”

“Steve and I train together, and then we go home, we’re still talking about what we did, we encourage each other.”

A man in a green t-shirt stands next to a woman in a black singlet top.

Dale (left) and Theresa Peppernell at the gym. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

Australia is getting older, and more quickly. By 2026, more than 22 per cent of Australians will be aged over 65, up from 16 per cent in 2020.

Australian men, on average, are living to 81 and women outlast them living to 85, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

And that means each year, more older Australians rely on healthcare. Spending on those aged over 65 is expected to double to $270 billion by 2035.

A woman in a blue t-shirt stretching her arms above her head.

Annette Kramer working out at the gym. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

It’s one of the reasons 70-year-old Annette Kramer works out. Her goal is to stay out of the healthcare system for as long as possible.

“I am only a slight person, and so training helps to build bone strength,” she said.

“That means I can get off the floor if I fall over. Building strength is why we are all here.”

Exercise plays an important role in maintaining bone health, especially weight-bearing activities, according to experts.

Exercise is crucial

Dr Elissa Burton is an associate professor of Healthy Ageing at Perth’s Curtin University and has more than 15 years’ experience of working with older adults.

A woman in a floral shirt walks in a bushland setting.

Dr Elissa Burton is a healthy ageing expert. Source: Supplied / Dr Elissa Burton

“Exercise is really important for older people but you don’t have to go to a gym and climb up a rope,” Burton said.

“However, it is still important to stay physically active because what we’ve seen in the research is as we get older, we do less activity.

“Yoga in particular is really good for flexibility and movement. It hasn’t been shown to prevent falls yet, but it’s a great way to improve strength.

“Pilates is another great way to improve flexibility and strength, it really boosts your core as well.

“And if we keep ourselves as strong as possible, it definitely helps us to live independently for longer.”

Inevitably, she said some changes to our bodies will occur as we get older.

“So, if we do not stay physically active by doing strength and balance and endurance training, then we will find it more difficult to cope with daily activities like showering, getting dressed and getting off the toilet,” she said.

Trudy Kristensen agrees that exercise is key to a longer, healthier life.

“Our healthcare [system] mainly does sick care. If you get sick, then they take care of you. But there is less preventative medicine,” she said.

A woman in a beige singlet top jumps onto a stack of weights.

Marie Louise Booth is among the enthusiastic clients at CrossFit Woolgoolga. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

“When we move, our joints and ligaments are strengthened, and cardiovascular health improves. It ticks all the boxes.

“And that means if we fall, it is less likely to be life-threatening.

“Or, if we get sick with a cold, we may get over it more quickly because our immune system is stronger.”

Growth of a global exercise movement

CrossFit is both a physical exercise philosophy and a competitive fitness sport.

The challenging program of exercises includes weightlifting, gymnastics, rope climbing and competitive skipping.

It was developed 24 years ago in California and has since grown globally, with more than 15,000 affiliated gyms in 150 countries — around half of which are in the United States.

The regimen involves constantly varied functional movements performed at high intensity.

Two women in active wear work out together at a gym.

Linsey George (left) and Michelle Wilson. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

‘I love the social aspects’

Michelle Wilson has done 12 years of high-intensity workouts and at 61, and is proud of her fitness level.

“I love the fact that this training incorporates cardio, strength, flexibility and because we do incorporate so many movements, it helps you to live a more active life,” she said.

“I can go into the garden and dig holes, lift heavy stuff, go to the shops and carry the shopping.

“And I also enjoy the social aspects. It’s a really lovely community here, and I have made some really good friends over the years.”

A woman in floral bike shorts holds herself up on a black rope.

Linda Landi is building strength by working out. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

Linda Landi is 59 and agrees the social side of training is a big part of its appeal.

“That is the thing that gets me up in the morning. These people are like a second family to me, I love them,” she said.

“So coming here is probably the best part of my day, actually.”

One-third of those living in Australia claim to be lonely, especially older residents.

A woman in a purple singlet top raises her arms at a gym.

Marney Courtenay working out at the gym. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

Marney Courtenay, 75, says joining a gym provides community and friendship.

“Apart from the social interaction, I also come here to maintain mobility, so I don’t fall,” she said.

“It helps me to keep my head organised so I don’t drive people nuts sitting at home, which is the alternative for some older people.

“This is not about beating the person next to you on the floor, it’s about beating the you that you were yesterday.”

A group of older people raise their hands inside a gym.

Friendships forms as part of the training process. Source: SBS / Allan Lee

Burton advises people to choose a fitness activity they enjoy, whether at home or outdoors.

“If you like to exercise in the park with friends, do it,” she said.

“There are many options available to us today so there is really no excuse.

“We can all find something that we really enjoy doing to stay active.”

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