For years, Singaporeans Ng Bee Kia, 77, Nai Hin Kwok, 73, and Victor Chan, 70, have met several times a month to exercise and try out new workout routines. I was.
Wanting to inspire other seniors to get healthy, they called themselves Team Strong Silvers and began sharing exercise videos on Facebook in October 2013.
Two years later, they started posting content on Instagram (@teamstrongsilvers) and have since amassed over 7,000 followers.
The group includes overseas members Peng Ling Hua (82), Ng Siu Qi (64) and Chen Hong (62) who exercise with Ng, Ngai and Chan whenever they are in Singapore. ) are also included.
“With health and fitness content, Team Strong Silvers wants to show people, no matter their age, what they can achieve with a little more effort,” said Robert Ho, 52, group content facilitator. say.
“Feedback from our followers is always positive and encouraging. They thank us for inspiring them to take better care of themselves.”
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71-year-old American Sheila Agnew McCoy is also a fitness influencer, inspiring others on social media via her Instagram account @sheilasfitfiftyplus.
A grandmother, breast cancer survivor, and personal trainer based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, she became certified at age 65. She regularly shares exercises that are “not strenuous and repetitive, but fun and enjoyable.”
She believes social media can be a powerful medium for those who want to be healthier.
“Many seniors are reluctant to go to the gym, but social media allows them to work out at home or do fitness routines together at work or on vacation.”
Ravi Bala Sharma, also known as ‘Dancing Daddy’, started her Instagram account @ravi.bala.sharma shortly after the Covid-19 pandemic started.
Her hometown of Mumbai, India had just entered lockdown, so her children encouraged her to post videos of classical Indian dance online as a way to pass the time.
Two years later, the music lover and former teacher has 195,000 followers worldwide. Her goal with her videos is to show people that you’re never too old to start dancing.
“Young people aren’t the only ones who can ride fast beats,” says the 64-year-old.
Influencers have long dominated the social media world on platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, but in the last few years, more and more senior influencers, also known as “grand influencers” or “instagramgrannies,” Encer has built a strong presence.
Digitally savvy, breezy and authentic, these 60+ “cool seniors” attract thousands of fans with wholesome, engaging content on a variety of subjects, including health and fitness. increase.
Dr. Chan Kin Ming, a geriatrician at Chan KM Geriatric & Medical Clinic in Singapore, believes that grand influencers can make a positive difference in the lives of their followers.
“By sharing fitness tips and videos, they challenge the common perception that becoming weak and frail as we age is inevitable.
They’re also great role models for older followers who need motivation to train themselves.”
There are some drawbacks, adds Chang.
“Viewers may think, ‘If someone my age can do it, I can do it,’ and follow the influencer’s exercise routine without worrying about their health.
“The problem with this is that they can end up hurting themselves or exacerbating a medical condition.
Influencers can also experience similar issues. Chan says that the more likes you receive from your followers, the more you may feel encouraged to do more than you can actually do to get positive feedback.
They can push their bodies too far and injure themselves in the process.
“If you want to follow your favorite influencer’s fitness program, always adjust to your abilities,” Chan advises.
“Remember, influencers may have spent years training to get to their current fitness level. But you are just getting started. It’s best to go slow because it takes a lot of effort and the last thing you want to do is get hurt.”
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You are never too old to improve your health through exercise. Regular physical activity also helps extend life.
“There is an established correlation between fitness level and longevity.
“Strength training and regular physical activity can help prevent bone and muscle loss, and fractures that can cripple you in old age,” says Ivan Corsi, founder and director of The Athletic Club, a personal training studio in Hong Kong. can minimize the risk of
Staying physically active in old age also helps maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, controls diabetes, improves cardiovascular health, and makes it easier to shed excess weight.
In addition, it helps maintain functional independence, improves quality of life, and reduces risk of depression and dementia.
“But it’s important to know your body well before doing any exercise, even if it’s something you see on social media,” Chan says.
“The first step is to schedule a physical exam with your doctor. Your doctor may order blood tests, chest x-rays, or other tests if you haven’t had one in the last two years. ”
After seeing your doctor, discuss your intentions to start exercising regularly. Always listen to your body, even with your doctor’s approval.
“For example, if you walk fast and feel chest pain, stop immediately and see a doctor.
Corsi says a qualified and experienced personal trainer can design a program for your fitness level and needs. If you want to improve your fitness, a trainer can help you get good results.
When followers say they wish their parents and grandparents were like them, they are touched, but the men at Team Strong Silvers acknowledge that training involves a lot of “trial and error.” Admit it and tell your followers to “be healthy and safe.”
McCoy told followers with degenerative hip and spine problems that working out improved their mobility and flexibility.
She said comments like that encourage her to keep posting content, adding that she wants her followers to reach their full potential.
“I want people to see my posts as helping them create positive lifestyle changes while enjoying life.
“I want them to be the best they can be. I would like to encourage you to
This article first appeared in the South China Morning Post.
