The athletes at the fitness center in Sømna at Helgeland do not save on the forces. In that sense, they are similar to others who train. More special is that more of them are almost 100 years. As is well known, it is never too late. – I feel very good. But I was so unlucky that I destroyed both hips, says Anny Baustad (98) she is the oldest in the training group in Sømna. And adds quickly: – Had it not been, I would have been as crisp as a youth. As is well known, the age is no obstacle to the one who really wants to. In the small municipality Sømna, there are around 14-15 people over 90 years as a trainer. Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen / news Shadow Boxing They look forward to every single training hour, and meet for training twice a week. An increased lasts for an hour and a half. Here they lift weights, the shadow boxes, rudder, bicycles and use most exercise equipment. Some of them very heavy. As the training bike Anny now tests out. – No, here I think is the heaviest of everyone. But when I get it started, it’s going well. Anny Baustad (98) at training. Ole-Christian Olsen should began before figures from Statistics Norway show that the number of elderly people who train strength has increased sharply in the last ten years. From 2013 to 2023, the proportion of Norwegians over 67 who train strength increased from 12 to 36 per cent. Anny is 98 and has not trained too long. Over 96, she was when she first used a training apparatus. The only thing she regrets is that she didn’t start a little earlier. She couldn’t know that this should also give her happier days. – I get out sometimes people. Otherwise, I just sit at home alone. Anny lives at home in her own house. The training makes Anny get out among people. Photo: Kyrre Baustad Truls Raastad, who is a professor at the Norwegian School of Sport, likes what he hears from Sømna. – This is very good. We need to be active throughout our lives to keep the physical form and health in general so this sounds like music in my ears. According to Raastad, more and more people are becoming aware that we can still respond very well to training at a very high age. – The fact that you can start with others at the same age is very motivating and it makes it less scary to get started. Truls Raastad, professor of sports physiology, would prefer that we train strength throughout our lives. But it is clear that it is harmless to start late. Not dangerous to begin the late 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. – Is they something in the expression that “it is never too late” to start exercising? – Yes, absolutely. Although we normally become weaker and lose muscle mass at increasing age, we respond well to exercise by getting the muscles both bigger and stronger when we load them regularly. Because the elderly are limited by a lot of muscle strength in bones and upper body when they reach the 80-90s, strength training is important, explains Raastad. – If you have first come up in a good adult age, it is not dangerous to start with strength training. And you have just as good the effect of it as younger only if you manage to exercise regularly and also have a good diet. With exercise, daily tasks in your own home can be easier, and you can be more active in your own home, says the expert. The plants have come in the boxes and Anny is ready for another summer. Photo: Kyrre Baustad is approaching 100 the elderly in Sømna does not hide that training is heavy. But just that they have to stretch – maybe breathe and pee a little – make them stronger and in better shape. The slightly younger girlfriend of Anny, Marit Sørli Dahle (96), started at a fitness center considerably earlier than Anny. She was only 85 when she discovered this type of training. Marit likes the exercises, not least those who remind her of her great passion; ski. – Yes. Ever since I grew up in Østerdalen. So it was quite common to start skiing quite young. – So you’re used to a little strike? – Yes, it comes in cash. Marit Sørli Dahle (96) began at the fitness center when she was 85 years old.Ole-Christian Olsen-it’s heavy. But it needs, that is. When you start approaching 100, training is even more important. Never too late, there are some who suggest that today – when news is present – is maybe increased maybe harder than usual. – It’s okay that we’re good, but he’s tying us today, just because you’re here, says Lill Sandvær with a twinkle in his eye. Here you can see more pictures of happy pensioners: Anny Baustad (98) trains twice a week Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen The physiotherapist creates individual arrangements for pensioners Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen There are several training groups for the elderly in Sømna Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen Anny Bae uses more Each workout lasts for an hour and a half. Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen / news These three are looking forward to new training hours Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen Physiotherapist Ørjar Wærum Evensen at Sømna Physiotrim boasts the gang and thinks everyone has something to learn from them. – They are an inspiration. For us who are younger, it is absolutely fantastic. And now he says straight out what we all think: – Think people who are almost 100 years old who come week after week and drive this and prove that it is never too late to get started on training. Soon the joint training session is over. But the 98-year-old is not done. – I train at home too, because I have bicycles and bicycles at home. I have a similar to those who are here. Arms and legs get rest, while her thoughts spin around today’s training and that she will soon meet the gang again. – When I go to bed, I’m looking forward to tomorrow, smiles Anny Baustad. Physiotherapist Ørjan Wærum Evensen, Anny Baustad and Solveig Alida Olsen (94) are already looking forward to the next training. Photo: Ole-Christian Olsen Published 01.05.2025, at. 08.41
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