Can exercise reverse the aging process?

I am speechless at Ernestine Sheppard and how amazing she is! I had never heard of her before but she really and truly is an inspiration and a role-model.

This video has really inspired me!!!

I’m only just past 50, but have had neuro problems since my 30’s and was originally in a wheelchair full time with carers.

I’ve managed to get back to living independently. Can stand and walk a few steps with walking aids, get myself out of bed etc… switched from electric chair to large class 3 mobility scooter which is much better for outside terrain and dog walking.

Currently still need to use manual chair if family take me out anywhere that would involve lots of walking such as shopping trips for a couple of hours, but can get from car into their houses on crutches (if its not far before I can sit down again) and into pub if they drop me off right at the door (and I stop to sit on the nearest seat indoors, till everyone comes in!).

Been using electric pedals for years as the brain couldn’t co-ordinate the pedalling movement fluidly enough for me to do it manually but now after many years my brain seems to have rewired itself (known as Neuroplasticity) and I’m now able to pedal manually under my own steam (still a bit slow and jerky but its there and managed to find an upright exercise bike I can get on and off with no high step over bar.

Trying to get from 2 sticks/crutches to one as I think the co-ordinating of 2 crutches with 2 legs is slowing me down so working on core strength and balance as I think one stick would be easier.

I was thinking my current level maybe as far as I could get and accept that but after watching that video when she didn’t start exercising until 71 and was in guiness book of records by 80 for weightlifting its really inspired me to see if I can get a little bit more back!

I’d love to be able to just walk to nearest field round and back with the dog though I’d need to be able to walk and stay standing for at least an hour without needing to sit down at all to achieve that but currently only on kind of ‘room to room’ distance for walking with aids.

I’m hoping the new exercise bike will strengthen legs further and build muscle as all my leg muscle seems to have gone despite using the electric pedals for years. (they just look like boney legs with a lot of water in the calves no firm muscle :confused: )

I might try getting ankle or wrap round leg weights to wear when pedalling to see if that will help re-build calf muscle over this next year. Maybe this time next year I can be walking to that field under my own steam!!! :slight_smile:

Wow Susan. You are one VERY inspirational women.
Your perseverance is amazing.
Never underestimate the resilience of the human spirit.
YOU are incredible.

Thank you! That’s made my day! :smiley:

Just been back to edit my shopping basket after watching that video and took out the alcohol and put in some more healthy fruit and veg …lol!

oh …and looking for a wide gel seat cover for the exercise bike seat cos my bum’s a bit numb after going on it the last 3 days! :confused: :blush: :smiley:

You made my day also.
You totally ROCK.
Bless you. :cool:

Susan you’re a real inspiration!
I so admire your perseverance and positivity :mini::mini:

Thank you! :smiley:

Get a dog, a big active dog!

Me? I’ve got a Border Collie, runs alongside the scooter! :smiley:

Not able to walk far enough for 2hr daily walks but it would be nice to be able to just walk to the nearest grass once a week maybe without having to get the scooter out! Be handy if the batteries went suddenly so we don’t have to miss a days walk,waiting for someone to come and fit new batteries!

Need more leg strength first! Have asked for advice on leg weights on a separate post. Hoping someone answers so I can get them ordered today to start by the end of this week! :slight_smile:

Can exercise reverse the aging process?

I would say it can’t reverse the ageing process but it can with diet help to prevent the progression of some health conditions and make the ageing process less noticeable.

Yes, I saw your post.
Are your scooter batteries not rechargeable?
Our get your dog hitched to the scooter and pull you along…:slight_smile:

yes it goes on charge on every night they’re big 50ah batteries but eventually over time they hold their charge less and where as the dial is always on the full end when you have new fully charged ones, it starts moving into the yellow and red on hills showing the batteries are not topping up well and they’re running nearly flat getting round, so I change them at that point and get a new pair.

I have a shorter lead (jogging belt fastened round scooter seat) for when she’s trotting alongside on road, some places I use extending lead to give her a bit more freedom and then she goes off-lead over the fields and in the parks.

Don’t think she’d pull it its 50kg and thats without me on it!!! :shock: She’s got her own dog bike trailer though, had a custom bracket made for scooter to attach one so we can go further afield and she can ride where we’re on the road with a lot of traffic. :smiley:

Thanks Floydy, and I apologise for only just spotting this thread…:075:

Can Exercise Reverse the Ageing Process?

Well I shelled out 200 quid earlier in the year for a complete medical assessment because I was getting worried about my performance while running out on the roads every other day. Something I’ve been doing for the last forty years.

Following a heart attack in 2004 I was wondering if my ageing old ticker had finally had enough and was calling time on my athletic pursuits…
What a surprise I got when the results dropped through my letterbox…:surprised:
I had passed nearly all of the tests and it was declared that I had the fitness and body of a 53 year old…Not bad for a 69 year old…:wink:

Furthermore, Following my heart attack back in 2004 it was decided that had I not been a runner for most of my adult life, it could have been fatal…:shock:
After just a few weeks I was walking at least ten miles every day and returned to running just three months later and still manage over twenty miles per week…

So in answer to your question Carol…You tell me?..:041::041::041:

was that one of those tests where you send your blood or DNA sample to them in the post?

No Susan, it was a visit to a specialist with all different kinds of equipment…Bloods were taken and sent to a lab for analysis…

Nothing can reverse your age other than skin tightening therapy, however, it will only boost your external appearance. Whereas exercise will keep you fit and young internally and off course tight muscles will surely fade some of your wrinkles.

So all the people who have told me I look ten years younger are lying?..:021:

Welcome to the forum! :lol:
You are half correct, Robreny.
Of course, we cannot literally reverse ageing as we would all need time machines but OGF is living proof of how keeping fit will keep you healthy and active.
A combination of regular exercise, a good diet and a positive outlook on life and you’ll be okay.
Cosmetic surgery is a bag of b0ll0x tbh.

Thanks Floydy, I think it’s also a frame of mind…:wink:

And sorry Robreny, I should have welcomed you to the site…:038:
I hope you will be regular poster and I look forward to reading you…:smiley:

That’s fantastic