[News in The Villages]

Women do not stop caring about how they look because they turn 60. They still want defined arms, strong legs, clothes that fit well, and the confidence to feel attractive in their own skin. They want energy for travel, golf, pickleball, nights out, and everything they finally have time to enjoy. Wanting to look good

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[CO2FL2MAandback]

I was hoping to read an informative article from a Villager but given the length of the piece I soon realized it seemed I was just reading an info-ad.

Although the information about strength training/muscle maintenance is true as we age, it really applies to both men and women.

Muscle maintenance helps balance and core strength which helps prevent falls. And if you did happen to fall you have a better chance of gettting yourself up off the floor unless you've fractured a bone.

So who decides what women want about their bodies after a certain age?

My sense is the author of the article is not a senior female. (But I could be wrong)

The author makes the assumption that women want to maintain defined arms into their sixties. I however know very few women in their 30's, 40's and 50's who don't have "defined" arms. So what about turning 60 would change that?

What the author also misses is that most women have been bombarded throughout their lives about what others think they should look like.

At this age I've accepted the the wrinkles, the graying hair, the shift in my hearing and other subtle changes that no longer make me a young woman.

The simpler approach might have been just stating research supports the need for strength training for healthy aging and safety versus make assumptions about women want about their bodies and then just include a simple plug for the program.

[Topspinmo]

What can do for Male weak and ugly over 75?

[OmniTours]

"Strength training becomes especially important after menopause because muscle affects far more than appearance. It supports strength, balance, mobility, metabolism, and the ability to continue doing the activities you enjoy."

I think the article made very little reference to appearance, other than the title. But here's the thing: even as an older woman, I still care about how I look and feel. I do care about how my arms look. I also care about my strength training as it pertains to my health and not just my appearance, and I think we should be allowed to value all things related to health...and looks are included in that. I didn't just stop caring about how I look and feel once I hit 50. Feeling strong AND sexy is important to most women I know!!