Be the Best you: with Angie & Calum Best

GIVE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL A WORKOUT WITH ANGIE & CALUM BEST…

LOOKING GOOD? ANYONE CAN!

Angie: When I was a kid, 66 was old, but these days there are so many glamorous women over 70 – it goes to show you can look way younger than your years. I’m 66 and I certainly don’t feel old!

One thing that keeps me motivated in the battle with oncoming years is the other OAPs I meet in the supermarket.

OK, a lot of them are much older than me, but I notice the lack of flexibility, movement and failing mental agility.

I occasionally strike up a conversation with an older lady and she will often say she wished she could look like me. ‘But you could!’ I cry. I am often met with excuses, reluctance and even fear, which is a great shame because, with a little work, anyone can improve their quality of life. I tell them the only things on me that are young are my wrinkles, as I haven’t had them long! My aim as I age is to be upright, pain-free and flexible – and that comes from exercise and staying busy.

The memory thing is a bit annoying but you can help tackle that with supplements and your outlook – if you tell yourself you are failing and old, you will be.

The way I see it, the baby boomers’ generation has no excuse, because there is so much information around about how to age well.

Science tells us that we can age without the negative symptoms if we keep our mineral, vitamin, hormone and protein levels up. It’s never too late to improve your health, fitness and mental outlook. The earlier you start, the better the results!

Frailty comes from the loss of muscle as we age – 30 per cent by the time you are 60.

To prevent this, I recommend supplementing your diet with amino acids – always check with your doctor first – as they are the building blocks of protein. Your muscles are made of protein, as is your hair, nails and skin, so it’s a win-win.

I don’t mean eat more steak or make protein shakes; I mean go to a health-food shop and ask for branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). This refers to three amino acids – leucine, isoleucine and valine – your body makes some but nowhere near what you need as you get older. Supplements can increase muscle growth over time.

And get moving. Join a gym, go for a walk or look up exercises on the internet.

Keeping your muscles strong keeps your bones strong and makes you vibrant.

Personally, I address all the other annoying symptoms as they arise, like memory, arthritis, tiredness, hormones and decreased flexibility with supplements. If you were born between the years of 1945 and 1965, or know somebody who was, show them these tips. Let’s keep our oldies young!