87-Year-Old Triathlete Shares Insights on Maintaining Activity

Luise Easton, an 87-year-old triathlete from Cleveland, continues to compete in triathlons, having won medals in Denmark at age 80 and in Ibiza in 2023. She notes limited competition in her age category but emphasizes the thrill of participating and reaching the podium.

Health Challenges and Proactive Management

Five years ago, Easton experienced shortness of breath during workouts, leading to a diagnosis of a heart condition. Tests at the Cleveland Clinic revealed her heart's ejection fraction was below normal, indicating inefficient pumping, and she had abnormal rhythms. She began taking medications to regulate her heart function.

Dr. Tamanna Singh, a sports cardiologist, adjusted Easton's training regimen to include more recovery time and fine-tuned intensity and volume, which helped her continue racing.

Easton's proactive response to her symptoms, rather than ignoring them, was crucial for maintaining her athletic pursuits.

Preventable Heart Conditions and Lifestyle Choices

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., but approximately 80% of cases are preventable through lifestyle changes, according to Dr. Victoria Maizes, an integrative medicine expert. Many individuals may not recognize their risk factors or the extent of their agency in reducing risk.

Key lifestyle factors include:

• Diet and eating patterns (e.g., time-restricted eating).
• Regular exercise or movement.
• Stress management.
• Avoiding smoking.

Tips for Staying Active and Healthy with Age

Luise Easton acknowledges that aging makes activities more challenging but remains committed. She has adjusted her approach, now walking instead of running in competitions.

Health experts and Easton offer the following advice:

• Find a Workout Buddy: Training with others, whether groups or friends, can enhance motivation and adherence.
• Set Specific Movement Goals: Establishing a concrete event or date can provide a clear objective for training.
• Maintain a Flexible Approach: Adjusting expectations and methods, like Easton's switch to walking, is important as physical capabilities change.
• Use Wearables to Track Progress: Devices like smartwatches and rings can monitor sleep, exercise, and heart rate variability, offering personal feedback on health and stress response.
• Keep Up with Preventive Screenings: Regular screenings for cancer, blood pressure, cholesterol, and mental health are often covered by healthcare plans and are vital for early detection and prevention.
• Consider Specialized Testing: Individuals at risk of heart disease may consider more comprehensive cardiac screenings, such as tests for apoB and lipoprotein(a), for a detailed assessment of cardiovascular risk, inflammation, and metabolic health. These may involve out-of-pocket costs.