Sami (Papacek) Mansfield: A Life Well Lived is a Life Well Moved

Sami (Papacek) Mansfield, Founder of Cancer Wellness for Life, shared a post by Stuart Phillips, Distinguished  University Professor at McMaster University, on LinkedIn, adding:

“A Life Well Lived is a Life Well Moved

A well-lived life isn’t just about how you look—it’s about function, mobility, and overall fitness. It’s about having the strength and independence to do the things you love, to explore without limits, and to move through life on your own terms.

Yes, body composition, mental resilience, and neurocognitive health all play a role. But at the end of the day, being strong, fit, and functional is what truly matters.

There are no shortcuts. No pills, prescriptions, magic powders, or perfect fitness regimens.

The truth is simple:

– Move your body
– Challenge your muscles
– Push your intensity
– Prioritize recovery and restoration

As I inch closer to midlife and the big 5-0, I’ve let go of chasing “perfect” and instead focus on just doing. Over the weekend, that meant running a distance I hadn’t attempted in decades. How did I do it? The same way I approach function and fitness – one step at a time.

Stay out of your head. Use your body. Just keep going. Because where you look is where you go—and forward always feels better than down.

And my favorite exercise Stuart Phillips? A burpee. Any version! Low impact, high impact, adding strength or core into these reps.

After completing my 1,800-rep burpee challenge in January, I can say with confidence—functional fitness, not running or walking, is what got me through those miles on Sunday.”

Quoting Stuart Phillips‘s post:

“Staying Strong, Independent, and Healthy as You Age

Aging is inevitable, but frailty and loss of independence don’t have to be. The key? Exercise. But not just any exercise—tailored programs that address your specific needs. Here’s what the latest research says about optimizing health and longevity through physical activity:

Why It Matters:

Muscle mass, strength, and power decline naturally with age, increasing the risk of falls, fractures, and loss of independence. But this process is far from irreversible. Structured exercise can help older adults maintain mobility, improve mental health, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

The Essentials of Your Fitness Plan:

1. Progressive Resistance Training (PRT): Build and maintain strength and muscle mass. This form of exercise is ideal for combating sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and frailty.
2. Power Training: Boosts muscle power, which is vital for quick movements like catching yourself to prevent a fall.
3. Balance and Mobility Training: Essential for reducing falls and improving coordination.
4. Aerobic Exercise: Keeps your heart and lungs healthy while enhancing endurance.

The Custom Approach:

Every individual ages differently and will have specific needs, so exercise prescriptions should be personalized, taking into account medical conditions, preferences, and physical abilities. Precision and progression are key: Start small and scale up as your body adapts.

Even short bursts of physical activity, like 5-10 minutes of brisk walking, can extend life expectancy and enhance quality of life. Power training, in particular, is gaining attention for its unique ability to improve functional capacity in daily activities.

Bottom Line:

Exercise is health and the dose matters. Make physical activity and exercise a core part of aging well. Start today – like compound interest, your future self will thank you.

What’s your favourite way to stay active as you age? Drop a comment below!

Figure from this outstanding paper.”

Global consensus on optimal exercise recommendations for enhancing healthy longevity in older adults (ICFSR)

Authors: Mikel Izquierdo et al.