Increase in strength training among the elderly in Norway saves society for millions – news Nordland

-You don’t get younger over the years, says Nils-Robert Nordstrand and smiles. He has climbs down from the spinning bike and pulls a towel over his shoulder. Kona Astrid Berg also takes off the bike. On her t-shirt it says Crossfit Borealis. They have cycled for over 20 minutes and are now ready to start the proper heating. And increases the ability to perform. Per-Magne Steen three times a week Astrid and Nils Robert train at the Borealis crossealis in Bodø. They have done this since the center opened in 2023. And that is precisely what the authorities want. Photo: Per-Magne Steen / news-It is very good that more older people train strength. One should, regardless of age, train strength at least twice a week. This means that we stay healthier longer, says Erlend Bø Department Director of the Directorate of Health. Statistics from Statistics Norway show that the number of elderly people who train strength has increased sharply over the last ten years. From 2013 to 2023, the proportion of Norwegians over 67 who train strength increased from 12 to 36 per cent. – It is a very good increase, but we also see that even more can train more strength and be more physically active, says Bø. At the center in Bodø, there have only been more and more elderly people who are showing up in the hours 60 plus, says coach Stefan Torrissen Revang. – Crossfit is a good old -fashioned circular training. We do body weight exercises, but also use some weights. The goal is to train the whole body and become as versatile and well trained as possible. Photo: Per-Magne Steen / news It is breathed and paused. As the music starts, Nils Robert begins to go, while Astrid stands behind and pushes the sled in front of him. – How heavy is the sled? asks Nilsrobert. – 50 kilos. This will be too easy for you? asks coach Stefan Torrissen Revang. The sled slides exceptionally quickly over the artificial turf. Astrid and Nilsrobert are approaching 100 logged workouts at the Crossfitsenteret. Stefan is very impressed with his gang. – It’s a wonderful bunch. We talk, fool and have fun in teams. I have become very fond of them. – At least I want to be the way they when I turn 80. That I easily get out of the chair and can jump around and push sleds and all. They are of great motivation. Savings society for millions for society can save large sums for every Norwegian who stays healthy. According to the Directorate of Health’s calculations, society saves NOK 1.6 million per person who has a healthy year of life, ie a year of life where they do not charge the health services. Exercising with others is good motivation. Photo: Per-Magne Steen / news At Crossfit Borealis This morning there are 18 people on training. The Directorate of Health has its own calculator, which estimates that the 18 alone save the society for NOK 161.7 million annually, by going from being physically inactive to becoming partially active. Erlend Bø believes that we will be extra dependent on the elderly staying healthy in the years to come. – We are an increasing population and that there are even more people getting older. We have calculations that show that the health service needs people not to need them. So that each one takes a little effort and increases their level of physical activity, it is very good for society. Not only is it good for physical health. It also does well for mental health. – Social is also an important part of training. They show up half an hour before the hours and stand and talk and have fun together, says Stefan. The training sessions have become one of the week’s big highlights for the married couple. Astrid started exercising in adulthood and, according to coach Stefan, has an impressive stamina. Photo: Per-Magne Steen / news-It’s just amazing. We are looking forward to going here and are so gentle when we leave, says Astrid. – What do you want to say to those who sit a little on the fence with a view to starting and exercising? – It’s just jumping down from the fence and getting started. You get in better shape and perform more in everyday life, says Nils Robert. – It is very inspiring and fun to train together. It provides motivation to continue exercising. You know that you are in better shape and perform better, says Nilsrobert Nordstrand. Photo: Per-Magne Steen / news-Do you have to go home on the couch after the session? -No, says Nils Robert. – Oh, we have to go to bed, or not lie down, but put ourselves to relax a little, says Astrid. Published 10.03.2025, at. 05.52



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