We’ve all heard it before: regular aerobic activity is crucial to our good health. What better way to get regular exercise than to incorporate it into our daily lives by walking or cycling?
A new book, entitled Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100, takes the health benefits of cycling one step further. Not only is the regular exercise a must for long-lasting bodies but, according to authors Roy Wallack and Bill Katovsky, a cyclist’s longevity is enhanced through the "physical and mental challenges, relaxation, achievement, adventure, variety, social interaction, …and fun" biking brings with it.
An activity as simple as a regular bike ride can help people “roll into the triple digits –miles and age — on a bike instead of in a wheelchair," according to Wallack.
The book provides cycling tips and tricks to ride effectively and injury-free into the golden years as well as interviews with aging cycling gurus still pushing their pedals.
A recent BBC article provides concrete examples of cycling’s elixir of youth. At age 72, Bert Brett is not just riding his bike – he’s racing it. Although he’s only been cycling for the past 10 years, Brett’s competitive streak took hold early on. He recently earned his 10th consecutive trophy for being his region’s fastest in his age group.
"I don’t see age as much of a barrier. I sometime beat men in time trials who are half my age, but when we’re out cycling we don’t tend to dwell much on how old people are," said Brett. "I don’t smoke, I’m a vegetarian, I walk about four miles a day and also do 150 press-ups twice a week."
At 92, Brett’s wife, Elsie, restricts her cycling to indoor rides on an exercise bike. She says that the spinning helps to keep her healthy and mobile.
See also: More Dangerous to NOT Ride a Bike
Via The Star Tribune (Minneapolis / St Paul, registration required) & BBC News
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