12 Comments
User's avatar
Harley Myler's avatar

Yep. So much BS out there and very little workable data for the male septuagenarians--it really starts to get sparse at this age. My latest joke (based on fact):

At 70 there are five women to every man...downside is they are also 70!

Expand full comment
Michael Kirsch, MD's avatar

Hi there, I’ve enjoyed your work. I’m a long-time gastroenterologist and I just joined Substack as well. I’ve been blogging for 16 years, but on another platform. I hope you'll follow me at http://mkirsch.substack.com/. Best wishes.

Expand full comment
Bill Russell's avatar

This reflects my advice to my aging friends that are new to exercise: don’t do the last rep.

Expand full comment
Dr Dan Goyal's avatar

Very helpful. Thanks.

Expand full comment
Lauren Shelton's avatar

I love this and I couldn’t agree more!! I think this idea that we all need to be “training like athletes” can be detrimental to some. Loved your chart visual.

Expand full comment
Howard Luks MD's avatar

Thanks, Lauren

Expand full comment
Somewhere, Somehow's avatar

I’m 70 yo female. I do HITT 2-3 times a week 91 hour, then 20-30 min of weights), Esstentrics stretching in between (20-45 mins). I take 4-6 days off now and then. Strong heart and I’m able to move without pain, climb a hill, and be a badass gardener.

Expand full comment
Howard Luks MD's avatar

Nice 😃

Expand full comment
Chris Fehr's avatar

Not too different than advice from many government health departments, 150 minutes of cardio and resistance training twice a week. If we could just get more people doing that much but it's not easy. In the summer months I'd persoally rather take advantage of the weather and save the weights for winter.

At 49 a lot of my motivation still comes from preparing for competition, running and motorcycle racing. I notice participation drops off drasticly in the +50 catagory so we'll see if I can stay motivated by competition or if I'll just have to enjoy being fitter than most my age.

Expand full comment
SilverEarring's avatar

Such a helpful essay - thank you!

Expand full comment
Dr R's avatar

Respectfully, saying your VO2max is high enough, implies that everyone elses is too if they work out a few hours a week, and the risk of injury is just too great to raise it more and there’s really no benefit. This is the same reasoning that eventually convinces folks they can take a 10 minute walk 3 times a week and they’re “healthier.” What is your Vo2 max and why is it good enough?

Expand full comment
blindboy's avatar

So do you have any references for this? I am not sure that it is genetally applicable. For example, while a brisk one hour walk 5 times a week my have a higher injury rate than 3 times a week, the initial risk is already so low as to make even doubling it insignificant. You also do not take into account that, these days, many of us continue our long term participation in vigorous activities that, yes, do

involve training like an athlete. I look forward to seeing your references.

Expand full comment