Customer Reviews

50 Athletes over 50 Teach Us to Live a Strong, Healthy Life

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Fortunately, while people are generally living longer, there has not been as significant a corresponding decline in the quality of that life. The extra years are generally not spent in a state of weakness that has some percentage of being an invalid. This fact is common knowledge, what is not so well known is that many people can remain athletically competitive over the age of fifty, sometimes decades over. This book is a case study of fifty such people.
Granted, there has been some "cherry-picking" of the representatives, but that does not change the fact that it is proven that it is possible for humans to remain active to the point of being athletic several decades after hitting their fiftieth birthday. Some of these people even had to overcome serious injuries from auto and other accidents. The overwhelming message from the acts of these people is that determination is generally more important that the physical aspects of your body. In chapter 10, Dr. Vonda Wright M. D. makes statistical arguments to support the position that "Only 30% of how we age is determined by genetics, while the remaining 70% is determined by the lifestyle choices we make." Furthermore, Wright also uses data supporting the point that, "Masters athletes' performance declined less than 2% a year for both men and women from age 50 to 75. Then, after the age of 75, something else happened. Their performance suddenly dropped by 8% a year."
These statistics point out that it is not only possible to remain extremely active after the age of fifty, but something that should be done. While it is true that not everyone can remain as active and competitive as the 50 portrayed here, together they are an existence proof that it is possible. Even old dogs need role models, and these are some very good ones.

Wine is one of the joys of my life, and I enjoy it in two different ways: first, going to a large "tasting" for a couple of hours, say one with 50 different wine lovers and 50 different wines; and second, spending an hour or two with a single wine, sipping and watching it develop over time. Each event provides different types of pleasures, but each is highly rewarding.

This is a wonderfully motivating book for an OF like me, who tries, sometimes successfully [ :) ], to keep in shape, primarily by walking and hiking in the hills near my home in the Ramapo Mountains. Don McGrath has put together an outstanding collection devoted to 50 different athletes who are committed to maintaining their health through exercise.

Reading the book straight through is like my large wine tastings: there's a kaleidoscope of impressions: some people stand out and their techniques and approaches resonate in many ways for me. Others sunk into the background and didn't have much to say of importance to me. But, taken together, it was an exciting and rewarding "event", especially under McGrath's leadership.

McGrath makes an important point early on: it was empowering to read that he refers interchangeably to "athletes as people who exercise, and people who participate in a sport." He makes a very strong case for consistent, regular exercise, relying on a number of studies demonstrating the benefits. And, this is clear, compelling writing, from an author who is clearly enthusiastic and committed to his subject:

"My goal in writing the book was to learn how to stay active and successful in my sport, rock climbing, for as long as possible. Along the way, I discovered that the athletes I was interviewing had a much more important tale to tell. They are all living spectacularly strong, healthy lives....

But, you can get lost in a big wine tasting, and in a certain way, I did with this book -- there is just so much you can remember about any one person when there are so many fascinating people, and people who can help you deal with your own personal challenges -- in my case, lack of time, other commitments and personal motivation.

Putting the book on my iPhone was a wonderful discovery. I've always got the phone with me, and I've been reading about one of the 50 athletes before, during and after each of my hour long hikes. Even athletes I sort of skipped over during the first "read through" suddenly become much more interesting when I spend an hour with them, especially when I'm doing some of the same striving they did, and are still doing. (I've often had the same experience with wine -- not thinking much of a wine during the big tasting, but discovering interesting depths and real excitement when I spend an hour sipping and analyzing.)

I understand that McGrath plans to make this book audio edited and made available in iTunes. I can imagine that an audio version would be excellent for motivation during a hike, and I hope McGrath follows through with his plans to do so. In the meantime, however, reading about McGrath's suggestions, and the suggestions of the 50 interesting people he's collected here, has greatly enhanced my exercising during my rest periods.

It's clear that consistent, vigorous exercise is a splendid idea for OF like me. This excellent book is a superb aid to achieving that goal.

Robert C. Ross 2010

Note: this review is based on a review copy furnished by the author. I found it so useful, that I purchased a copy for my Kindle, to use before, during and after my hikes. B.

Don McGrath's book 50 ATHLETES OVER 50 TEACH US TO LIVE A STRONG, HEALTHY LIFE is that carrot in front of the nose manual that is sorely (!) needed. With the emphasis on youth and the job market focusing on youthful presentation, men and women at 50 and beyond can well benefit from this well written, encouraging examination of fitness. McGrath has obviously devoted a good part of his athletic life observing the spectrum of his comrades - from the energetic youths to the advanced years folks whose health and vigor an attitude towards life is profoundly influenced by exercise routines - or to put it more in keeping with this book's message, transforming the detrimental effects of gravity and cell laxity that accompany the passage of time by envisioning a healthy body and mind, finding a manner in which to raise the bar on endurance and regimentation of workouts, and loving the exhilaration that accompanies fitness of boy and mind. Old Age, be gone!

The technique McGrath uses is the original performance focused model: at the center of the model is Performance and feeing into that core are Mental Fitness, Technical Skills, Nutrition, Physical Fitness, Goals and Planning, and Execution. His focus is on the joy and fun of the feeling of accomplishment that comes by transitioning from a lifestyle ruled by sedentary positions into one that incorporates the fitness goals that provide not only pleasure and heightened capacity for younger thinking patterns and physical abilities, but a giant gulp form the Fountain of Youth.

Yes, there are sound examples of a well considered workout routine and these are accompanied by boxes where readers can fill in the goals and ideals and other participating notes of creating the progress to living well and loving living well. These are followed by interviews with athletes McGrath has found who have not only past records of achievement in fitness but are also in constant competition with themselves or members of their workout or running groups - informative and entertaining and inspiring tributes to messages McGrath shares throughout this book.

One of the reasons this motivational physical fitness manual is so successful is McGrath's level of enthusiasm: he makes the concept of getting into shape and staying in shape an exciting dream fulfillment instead of the 'oh, but that is not for me' attitude that most books of this nature induce. He is obviously having fun, as are the athletes and ordinary people who follow this regimen, and that makes all the difference. Grady Harp, May 11

I had the privilege of hearing Don speak and was intrigued by this passion and knowledge. Clearly he is walking the path of fitness and although I'm several years his Senior, I was impressed by his example and intrigued by the interviews in the book. Don delivered a review copy personally and I could hardly put it down. I expected the stories, but was delightfully surprised by the fitness information, the experts he tapped for health, wellness and fitness support and the action plans appropriately position between chapters.

Reading through the book, it became clear that nothing stands in the way of our attaining fitness, stamina and healthy living. The choice is ours and although the book is full of exciting and outstanding examples, it is also clear that any progress is worthwhile and that anyone can make the choice to live better.

Thanks Don for bringing us this wonderful fitness tool. I hope you do produce it in digital/audio form so I can download and benefit from the message during workouts. I also hope that at some point you follow up on some of the great athletes as well as bring us more!

This book provides a fresh look at athletes over the age of 50. Don, does not just dwell on the achievements the athletes have accomplished, he looks at the reasons why they persevere. His interviews encourage, even us non-athletic types to start asking: "Is it really too late for me to get more active, more healthy?"
The athletes reveal how they have transitioned from a performance focus to lifestyle focus. They have found a way to: dream it, live it, love it. Physical activity is a part of their everyday life. Learn from them how it can become a part of you everyday life. If you are a coach potato, this book will inspire to become more; To life to the fullest. If you are already an athlete, this book will show you the path taken by successful athletes before you. It will inspire and encourage you to continue in your path.
Read the book and discover if you are an innovator, a bloomer, or a groover. Each type of athlete approaches athletics from a different mindset and this impacts not only the sport they choose, but how they train.
Thank you Don for writing a book about athletes that even a non-athletic person like myself can not only read but enjoy. The interviews are personalized and engaging. I felt like I had a glimpse into the world of each athlete you interviewed. I am now even more inspired to maintain a healthy, active life style. After all, if they can do it at 50, 60, 70 or even 90+ years old, what is my excuse?

Reviewed by
Christine Miller RN
[...]

This book is jam-packed with useful information that will inspire any person, regardless of age, to maintain a great physical body. There is a wide range of sports or activities involved that are different from your typical sports jock. Here is a partial list: Distance Runner, Surfer, Outrigger Canoeist, Bodybuilder, Martial Artist, Triathlete, Mountain Unicyclist, Dancer, Rock Climber, Nordic Skier, Weight Lifter, Race Walker, Handball Player, Power Lifter, Snowshoe Racer and many more. Then there's "Banana" George Blair, who is still water skiing, barefoot, at the age of 94. George has set several records, including being the oldest person to ever barefoot water ski and also the first to ever water ski barefoot on all seven continents.

This is a great book for anyone who would like to see the countless possibilities of either continuing a sport, either in competition or just to maintain fitness, and what it can do for you personally. The advice is simple. Consult your doctor, and if you want to lead a long and healthy life, get involved and stay involved in some type of regular exercise program. This book will show you and teach you why this is important. A lot of people think they are too old to start and that they are over the hill. The truth is, we can't be over the hill until we first make it to the top.

At some point after 50, no matter the degree of fitness and amount of exercise one does, 'changes' will start to become obvious that are related to chronological age. Being 57 and in good shape, I had thought I was somewhat immune. However, in the past 2 years, I've endured a series of relatively minor injuries; not totally incapacitating, but nuisances and slow to heal.

Don's book was recommended to me by a friend, and it was a real page-turner. It's okay to acknowledge 'changes', but inspirational to realize we can manage change and stay active for many, many years. The older athlete stories were enlightening and informative. Here's to more opportunities for long, healthy, active lifestyles!

Over the years, many of us have been struck by the powerful imagery of "Getting Old is Not for Sissies."This cover photo stands as an enduring icon for what's possible. At the time this photo was taken, John Turner was 67 years old. As a practicing psychiatrist, he spoke a refreshing philosophy: "I think physicians have a responsibility to sell health at least as much as they sell pills." (He made this statement in the early 1980's, before the medical industry dove headlong into techno-pharmaceutical fixes for every human affliction.) Who wouldn't want this man as a teacher, fitness instructor or physician?
In this same spirit, I've recently discovered a powerful new book called Fifty Athletes Over Fifty. Author Don McGrath has interviewed a series of rare individuals, athletes who are still in the game, still living a highly physical life well into what some people call "old age." The individual stories are fascinating, but it's the core idea that really carries the quest. For McGrath and his lifetime athletes, it's all about developing the right relationship with the body, the process and the sport. In short, it's about falling in love with movement.
McGrath sums up his findings in a simple paradigm: Love it - dream it - live it - powered by feelings of joy, fun, sensation and accomplishment. It's a powerful formula, one that has been obvious to young, independent athletes for a long time. Surfers, skateboarders, rockclimbers and free runners have built entire lifestyles, sub-cultures and movement disciplines around quality life experience. For them, no extrinsic motivation is required. It's the experience and the dream that pulls them into active, committed participation.
Sadly, this auto-telic approach has been largely eclipsed by linear thinkers who seek to reduce human health to spreadsheet-ready numbers and formulas, as if emotion and spirit had nothing to do with physical engagement. On the contrary, emotion, spirit and aesthetics exert a powerful pull that lasts a lifetime. If you fall in love with your practice, your art or your discipline, the technicalities are just a sideshow.

Frank Forencich
author of Change Your Body, Change the World

Think you're to old to have an active life after 50? Think again! The 50 athletes in this book will show you just how untrue that is. This book is full of helpful information, inspiration and hope to those that are starting to have trouble with their bodies working the way they want, and even to those who are past that point. The best thing you can do to prolong or prevent the aging process is to be active. It is never to late to get fit. The athletes in this book are truly amazing and will give you the motivation you need to get off that couch, put that bag of chips down and MOVE.

Do you make excuses not to workout? Are you over weight? Has your doctor advised you to exercise? Is it too late?! Not by a long shot!! As author Don McGrath leads us through 50 interviews with 50 athletes over 50 we realize that it's never too late. Most importantly anyone can excel in sports regardless of age, gender, handicap or circumstances. These stories will inspire you to get off the couch and get moving. If you are currently exercising you will find yourself asking "Am I doing enough?" All of these athletes are competitive in their own ways. From 50-year-old former pro triathlete Gale Bernhardt who has turned her sights to mountain biking to "The Ultimate Over 50-Athlete -- Banana" George Blair, the 94-year-old water skier, you will see that anything is possible.

McGrath first leads us through his Performance-to-Lifestyle Transition Phases and the keys behind it. Dream it, Live it and Love it. From there he explains the Four Joys and how they help the older athlete stay focused and motivated to not only stay active but to stay competitive in their chosen sport. He wraps things up with the last two chapters focusing on the studies and statistics of older athletes--the physiology and psychology of the athlete over 50 and what happens as we age.

All of the interviews were interesting and moving in their own way. You will read about track athletes, swimmers, rock climbers--the list goes on and on. Gene GeBauer, a dancer, seemed full of life and not planning to stop dancing anytime soon. He is 75 and just recently had a tap jam session with one of the world's best, Jason Samuel Smith, and held his own. Then you have of course "Banana" George Blair he 94 year old skier who did he start skiing until he was 46. Since the he has become a phenomenon in the skiing world. "Banana" George not only skies, he took up wakeboarding at 70, snowboarding at 75, race car driving at 81, skydiving at 82, surfing at 83, and he rode a bull at 85. This man can do anything he puts his mind to!! My favorite though is 53-year-old Terry Peterson from Redondo Beach, CA who in his late forties had gained weight and had high cholesterol and needed to exercise. None of the normal stuff seemed to inspire him--such as swimming, biking or running. He fond his passion at [...]. Terry is now a sponsored and competitive rider with Mountain Unicycling (MUni). You can see more of Terry and what he does at his site [...]. Checkout the videos! They are amazing.

This book was fun and inspiring no matter where you are in life, whether it's 8-years-old or 80, I encourage you to pick it up at your local book store. Who knows, maybe you will be in the revised edition.