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There\u2019s an age when our physical activity declines, researchers say. But, the shift isn\u2019t all physical (Getty Images\/iStock)<\/p>\n
The article below is an excerpt from my newsletter: Well Enough with Harry Bullmore<\/a>. To get my latest thoughts on fitness and wellbeing pop your email address into the box above to get the newsletter direct to your inbox.<\/p>\n Physical ability peaks at 35. Or at least, that\u2019s the headline takeaway from a 47-year study by the Karolinska Institutet<\/a> in Sweden.<\/p>\n For anyone younger, this feels like a lot of pressure. For anyone older, it\u2019s rather disheartening news.<\/p>\n Yet I recently spoke to coach Ed Haynes, who trains hundreds of people of all ages \u2013 including his 76-year-old mother. Despite lacking the strength<\/a> to hold a plank at 59, she now cranks out pull-ups<\/a>, plays golf three times per week, swims most mornings and does plenty of other exercise<\/a> besides.<\/p>\n So is she the exception that proves the rule? No. Rather, she reinforces the study\u2019s results.<\/p>\n \u201cIt is never too late to start moving,\u201d lead author Maria Westerst\u00e5hl<\/a> says. \u201cOur study shows that physical activity can slow the decline in performance, even if it cannot completely stop it.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026individuals who started being physically active in adulthood improved their physical capacity by 5\u201310 per cent.\u201d<\/p>\n Haynes\u2019 story is further proof that nuance tells us a more reliable story than an eye-catching headline. That is the theme of this week\u2019s newsletter<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cSomething that comes up a lot with my clients is biological age,\u201d says Haynes. \u201cStrength<\/a> peaks around 35 and your body\u2019s ability to recover is in decline [from this point], so people think they\u2019ve missed the bandwagon and there\u2019s no point in training. But many of these studies are based on people who have been training consistently from a young age.\u201d<\/p>\n Exercise<\/a> has immense value at any age \u2013 a recent interview on strength training\u2019s many longevity merits<\/a> made that clear. And if you are able to adopt a healthier routine than you had in your 20s, 30s or 40s, alongside some smart training methods<\/a>, it is entirely plausible that you could become fitter now than you were then.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can still have your highest level of muscle mass in your 60s, and be hitting strength PRs in your 70s, because you\u2019re so new in your training journey,\u201d Haynes says. \u201cThe best time to start is now. You\u2019re just going to have to manage your training and fatigue in a smarter way as you get older.\u201d<\/p>\n Haynes is responsible for two of this week\u2019s featured articles. In the first, he shares how he trained his mum to become her fittest self in her 70s. In the second, he reveals the six small lifestyle changes<\/a> anyone can make to enjoy an immediate uptick in their health.<\/p>\n In another recent interview, I discussed all things posture<\/a> with experienced physiotherapist Alex Morrell. His viewpoints might surprise a few people.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is no link between posture<\/a> and pain,\u201d he tells me. \u201cMost people assume that back problems and back pain are linked to poor posture<\/a>, and slouching in particular. But there is zero scientific research to support that.\u201d<\/p>\n Again, value can be found in the nuance of his statement. He argues that \u201cthe best posture is the next posture\u201d \u2013 in other words, humans are built to move, so staying in any position for hours at a time is likely to be unkind to your body.<\/p>\n Your body adapts to what you consistently ask it to do. If you sit down for most of the day with your hip flexor muscles in a shortened position, your body might tighten them to become more efficient at sitting, sometimes leading to dysfunction in the hips and surrounding areas.<\/p>\n Morrell\u2019s remedy is delightfully simple: \u201cIf I\u2019m slouching, I might sit more upright for a bit; if I\u2019m sitting upright, I might slouch a bit more. If I\u2019ve got the luxury of a standing desk and I feel stiff and sore while sitting down, I\u2019m going to stand up. Or I might go and stretch my legs \u2013 go to the loo or make a coffee.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just about doing really simple things in a simple way, rather than catastrophising and exaggerating the impact of being at a desk.\u201d<\/p>\n So what is our takeaway today? Well, you\u2019re somewhat spoilt this week, for I\u2019ve settled on two.<\/p>\n Firstly, exercise and movement are beneficial at all ages, and if you don\u2019t do all that much currently, the best time to start is now.<\/p>\n Secondly, you will see a lot of health headlines nowadays designed to provoke strong reactions \u2013 pride, fear, guilt, comparison. Scratching beneath the surface and giving a nod to the nuance at play usually delivers a more measured, helpful message.<\/p>\n Get the Well Enough newsletter Get the Well Enough newsletter with Harry Bullmore (The Independent)<\/p>\n To receive Well Enough with Harry Bullmore, simply enter your email address in the box at the top of this page.<\/p>\n![\"Get](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/f963f96af5d4b0365b434bae7aa94362.jpeg\"\/)
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