Draft: The Master of the Masters
Monday, November 7, 2011 - 17:07
From the day we are born, we are getting older. Fom the beginning of our time on this planet, we first get stronger and develop energy systems for the body to function at its most efficient, and then at some point, without a fight, it starts to reverse itself. Aging in humans is a process characterized by a whole host of changes in all bodily systems that ultimately result in a decreased capacity to function. The process of aging is associated with numerous changes in all bodily systems that ultimately manifest in a decline in peak physiologic function.
Preservation of functional ability in advanced age is predicated on maintenance of the four components of fitness:
- cardiorespiratory endurance
- muscular strength and endurance
- flexibility
- body composition
Someone who had definitely defied the aging progress is Indian-born Brit Fauja Singh, who has done more in his 90s then most people have done in a lifetime, and he didn't even start running until he was 89 years of age. Testing shows that Singh’s left leg was found to have a density of a 35-year-old; his right leg had that of a 25-year-old.
In October 2011, at the age of 100, Singh set eight world age group records in one day, at the special Ontario Masters Association Fauja Singh Invitational Meet, in Toronto, Canada. Three days later, on October 16, 2011, he became the first 100 year old to complete a marathon, running the Toronto Waterfront Marathon in 8:11:06, and entered the Guinness World Records for being the oldest person to complete a marathon.
So, what’s your excuse? Get involved.
For more information on masters sports, please visit SIRC.
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