I recently came across an article in the Telegraph about a fitness instructor called Lee Janogly. Now 84, Lee is a remarkable example of how an active, balanced lifestyle can sustain strength, flexibility, and joy into later life. Although she hated exercise as a child, everything changed after the birth of her third child in her twenties, when she discovered dance fitness classes taught by future stars like Arlene Phillips. This discovery led her to train as a fitness instructor, eventually running her own studio and, today, still teaching four exercise classes each week.  

I think Lee’s story is a great example to those of us turning sixty and beyond, so I contacted her on behalf of TurningSixty, and she very kindly wrote some advice for our readers: 

“For many older people, the word ‘exercise’ conjures up visions of heaving, sweaty bodies, contorted limbs, inflated health club subscriptions and exorbitant osteopath bills.  They probably think ‘Abdominal Crunch’ is a breakfast cereal.  However, recent research involving thousands of people over the age of 60 has shown that simple things like walking, swimming, lifting light weights or moves like squats and lunges are just as effective at lowering blood pressure as taking beta blockers or ACE inhibitors.  Everyone who hasn’t been living under a rock for the past 20 years knows that moderate exercise is beneficial in so many ways.  But you have to find something that you enjoy and are prepared to do regularly.  There’s no point in saying you’re going to swim if you’re not keen on getting wet, cold, damp towels, unisex changing rooms and verrucas!” 

“Therefore, I would say to anyone thinking they are ‘too old to start now’ to check out Gyms or Leisure Centres in their area.  Pilates classes are a good way to start as you work at your own pace on a mat.  You may feel awkward the first time, but the second time, the lady on the mat next to you will smile and say ‘Hi’.  The third time, she will probably say ‘Do you want a coffee after the class’?  So, you are not only doing something good for your body and your health but making new friends as well.  You might then be brave enough to try a Body Conditioning class which is slightly more strenuous but will make you even fitter.  During your workout you will be strengthening your heart and lungs, increasing your bone mass to prevent osteoporosis, burning calories like mad and toning your muscles.  What’s not to like? Everyone is under so much stress today, with so many worries and responsibilities, I promise you that taking time to get away from your daily life for an hour and joining a class with likeminded people will lift your spirits, clear your mind, help you eat more healthily and sleep more soundly than before. This is your time to do something good for yourself, to improve the shape of your body and quality of life. It doesn’t have to be every day so that it becomes a drag.  Aim to do something, even just a walk round the block, three times a week.  Put it in your diary so that you arrange other appointments around your exercise time rather than vice versa.  Truly, regular exercise is the key to maintaining a slim and healthy shape for the rest of your life.”  

Lee’s approach is positive and empowering. She is a vibrant reminder that ageing is not about resignation, but about adaptation, optimism, and continuing to nurture both body and mind, one day at a time. 

Lee is also the author of “Getting Old: Deal With It” which we hope to write a review of in the May edition of our newsletter. Don’t forget to sign up for it today! 

Link to the Telegraph article: 
I’m 84 and can still do the splits – here’s how to stay active as you age 

(Please note: full access may require a Telegraph subscription.)