Health Issues

People of all ages and physical conditions benefit from exercise and physical activity. These stories feature diverse older adults and the activities they enjoy. If you are age 50 years or older and exercise regularly, we invite you to send us your story.
fred exercises
Fred P., age 62
"I’ve been participating in a group exercise class held at Love Towers in Knoxville, TN, since March 2012. Being a part of the class makes me feel like part of my community. I’m a heart patient, and after being part of the...
Robin J camping
Robin J., age 50
"I have an autoimmune disease called bullosa and a history of Hodgkin's lymphoma. I continue to bike short distances, even in the heat of the summer. I also walk every day, even though it’s painful, but I’m happy to do...
Pat S.
Pat S., age 55
"Last September I was 62 pounds heavier, a newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic, and scared out of mind. I had wanted to get back into shape but felt stuck. I never thought I would be so heavy and out of shape. Given my diagnosis...
Bud, age 86
"Bud feels best when he exercises!"
Mitter, age 57
"Mitter uses Go4Life to strengthen his muscles and relieve joint pain."
Sheri, age 62
"Sheri discusses why starting an exercise program has become a priority for her."
James F. Battey, MD, Director of the National Institute of Deafness and Other Communication Disorders at NIH
"Dr. Battey, who swims regularly, tells how exercise helps control his blood pressure."
Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Director, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at NIH
"Dr. Katz discusses age, arthritis, and exercise and demonstrates his personal exercise program."
Frank, age 75
"I was diagnosed with COPD in 1988, did not stop smoking until ten years later, even though my younger brother died from COPD. Even though I’m currently on daily oxygen usage, I've participated in several pulmonary...
Patricia, age 72
"I have asthma and results of lung function tests indicate that I qualify for a handicap sticker for my car. But, I do not need one as I exercise regularly to help keep my lungs working properly. I lift free weights,...
Jack, age 63
"After starting a daily walking program, I managed to lose 70lbs in 14 months. I no longer suffer from acid reflux! I gradually worked up to walking at least five days per week for sixty minutes. On the weekends, I often walk...
Florence S., age 72
"My exercises are done at least twice daily just to get back use and strength in my legs and help reduce the pain in my hips. I do some standing at my kitchen sink and some on the bed. I had a home physical therapist for...
Meg, age 67
"When I was 25 years old, I was diagnosed with pre-arthritis in my knees. After living with progressively deteriorating joints for 40 years, in 2009 I had knee replacement. It really changed my life! Prior to surgery, I was...
Bert, age 72
"I know exercise is good for me. I have a heart condition, and my own father passed away at 72 from a stroke, so I stay fit to try to prevent something like that from happening to me. I grew up loathing exercise. I've...
Bob, age 63
"On a snowy day in 2005, I slipped and fell and tore my hamstring. The doctor took one look at my injury and said it was the worst torn hamstring he'd ever seen in his 20 years of practicing medicine. Surgery wasn't...
Mildred, age 73
"I had a complete knee replacement that created a need for continual exercise. I started attending a local fitness center. I began using the step machine and the treadmill for 15 minutes, 5 days a week. The result was...
Jim, age 68
"Many years ago, as my wife Katie and I approached 50 years of age, we undertook a 3-month, 5,000-mile bicycle trip across the country. Since then, we have completed several more long-distance bicycle trips. The knee and...
Bob, age 78
"Both my wife and I have heart problems. We were introduced to our exercise program at the local health club about 2 years ago. This has enabled us to keep in shape by using different aerobic and strengthening equipment....
Robert, age 80
"Since my retirement, I have exercised five times a week at the local gym. I credit exercise to my recovery from arthritis and reducing the effects of a heart attack. My present routine consists of 3 days a week of upper-body...
Mary, age 67
"I have always been very active playing football, hunting, boxing, and weight lifting. As I got older, I got away from working out due to an office job and husband. I started having back problems and had several rounds of...
Dennis, age 74
"After a physically active life climbing mountains, distance walking, hiking and camping, many 10K races, and bicycling to work, I developed pain and numbness in my feet and lower limbs and vertigo. Balance is a problem, and...
Grace, age 91
"I started playing tennis and skiing in my 40s. As the years passed, I developed bad back pain. Also, I was diagnosed with emphysema. I could not breathe well and was wheezing. The doctor said I would never improve. I thought...
Marian, age 77
"I'm an active 77-year-old, but a family history of heart disease and high cholesterol convinced me that I needed more exercise. After I tried walking on a treadmill at a nearby community center, I knew I'd be...
Freddi, age 54
"For more than 10 years, I jogged every day to clear the cobwebs and get my blood flowing. Imagine how awful I felt when I fell down the stairs and broke my ankle. At 54, I wasn't ready to be a couch potato. After the...
Lian, age 68
"Early every morning, I join a group of my neighbors, and we practice tai chi for about an hour. We start out with a gentle warm-up and breathing exercises. Then our teacher shows us how to do certain poses and leads us...