Cycling offers a multitude of benefits for older adults, including bolstering the immune system, maintaining muscle mass and strength, and regulating body fat and cholesterol levels, as revealed by multiple studies. The low-impact nature of the sport makes it ideal for those with joint issues – unlike high-impact exercises such as running. Because it’s so accessible and kind on the body, cycling is easy to take up later in life and to continue for decades. In a society of increasing isolation, the social interaction and camaraderie cycling offers can help combat mental health issues and loneliness too.
For many of those who’ve cycled since childhood – progressing to club and elite levels – the positive impact upon their health and wellbeing means they’re still smashing PBs and picking up medals in their 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and beyond.
Cycling Weekly decided it was time to tap into their secrets and discover how you and I can keep riding strongly, if not forever, then at least for many more years to come.
ANDY BRUCE
53, DUNFERMLINE
Scottish Hour record holder – 47.523km (March 2023)
Masters world champion M50-54 – Points Race (2019)
British Masters 3,000m individual pursuit champion (2019)
Andy Bruce took up cycling at the age of 39 with a bike bought through
