The issue of sports after the age of 40 is mainly an issue for people who want to start or restart sports after years of interruption. In the face of years gone by and extra pounds, kids in their 40s are often taken to the gym frenzy without realizing that their bodies no longer have the same weight. resistance In the face of stress and shock. Returning to sports after the age of forty requires some precautions.
real age concept
As the years went by, exercise became less easy, performance decreased, and abilities decreased as well. Age is a concept that is difficult to define precisely. In fact, several definitions of age and date of birth give only an administrative indication.
biological age It is that which the body presents as a standard for the functioning of its organs. This age depends on hereditary factors, but also on the way of life: professional activity, high-level sports practice, harsh living conditions, smoking, etc.
psychological age It corresponds to the image that a person can have of himself. It takes into account her adaptability, her experience, the maturity of her mind and how she sees herself in the future.
social age Depends on the cultural norms of the community and may differ from the point of view. A 35-year-old woman at the same time can be considered a young worker and a fairly elderly mother if she has just given birth to her first child.
In the context of sports, all these concepts come into play.
The’ biological age It is the first element to consider because the organs most sensitive to the influences of the biological age are those used by sports: the heart, blood vessels, skeleton, muscles, joints, eyes, etc.
The ‘psychological age Also important: Someone who finds it difficult to memorize gestures compound He will have a hard time starting a high-tech sport when his biological age allows it.
Finally, the social age It may also be taken into consideration. A flexible and energetic 25-year-old woman can reasonably decide to start practicing rhythmic and athletic gymnastics. However, she is likely to be viewed by her teenage colleagues as an “old woman”!
age athlete
Even if the concept of age is relative, there is a correlation between biological age and physical abilities. However, these are average values, and at a fixed age, abilities can vary greatly from one individual to another. Some people will always look younger for longer.
From 18 to 30 years: the beginning of puberty for an athlete
At this age, untrained adults are at the peak of their physical potential. For top athletes, this is the era of top performance. During this period, all sports activities are possible for the individual, with the exception of specific contraindications.
30 to 45 years: average age of an adult player
For sedentary people, motor coordination and ● speed maximum drop. The Endurance And muscle strength is still well preserved. Athletes generally perceive their performance to be maintained. At around the age of 40, it is generally advised to stop high-level sports and sports incompatible with the aging disorders you are beginning to feel (ice hockey, for example). Athletes must adapt their training to their new abilities, which vary greatly depending on the individual.
45 to 65: Advanced puberty for the athlete
The physical qualities of untrained people continue to deteriorate, including strength. In people who maintain physical activity, performance begins to decline significantly.
It is entirely possible to start a sport during this period but you must be very attentive to the specific abilities of each person. Training will be geared rather towards sports Endurance or maintenance.
After 65: Late adulthood for an athlete
The decrease in engine performance is obvious. At this age, athletes can continue to train for a long time taking into account the development of their abilities. However, the discipline and intensity of practice must be adapted. It is possible to start physical activity during this period, but with appropriate exercise and increased supervision.