When Dr. Bruce May wakes up in the morning, the first thing on his mind after a 32 oz. a cup of warm water and a cup of caffeinated coffee are his morning stretches.
Due to arthritis in her hips, she follows a new regimen that includes isometric exercises provided by a physical therapist. He spends about 30 minutes on the exercises seven days a week without fail.
Afterwards, May, 94, spends time reading and writing before heading to PA Fitness, in Exeter Township, late in the morning, three days a week. On days she’s not in the gym, she typically walks a mile or less on the trails and paths around her Exeter Township neighborhood.
“Long walks have always been important to me,” May said, adding that because of her arthritis and shortness of breath, walking isn’t as easy as it used to be.
“Walking allows me to meditate, be calm and disconnect. It also gives me the opportunity to notice changes in my world and adds value to the walk.”
It was around the age of 40 when my daughter, Melissa (Martinez), gave May, a retired optometrist, a book of stretching exercises for people over 35.
“It became ingrained in me to commit to these kinds of things: diet, exercise and sleep,” he said, admitting that he was not physically active before.
The book, combined with being a practice patient when he was in vision therapy training, led to what has become a daily dedication to his fitness.
Over the years, he hasn’t been afraid to change things that he thinks could benefit his current state.
“My exercise regimen has changed regularly over time,” he said. “What I’m doing today is very different from what I was doing six weeks ago and six years ago.”
Something new that he added to his gym days is the time he spent in the indoor pool at PA Fitness.
“The physical therapist had me start walking on water,” May said. “It’s getting in the pool and briskly walking around.”
In addition to his eight laps of the pool walking, he spends about 15 minutes on the treadmill and does some upper-body strength training.
“I get on the treadmill to get my heart rate up,” he said.
Two years ago, May, who has been married to his wife, Kathy, for 39 years, started intermittent fasting, eliminating breakfast every morning.
“It helps me control my weight and makes me feel better,” he said. “I feel like it’s valuable to me.”
May’s take-it-as-it-comes approach appears to be working given that she still drives and walks unassisted in her 90s.
“Like everyone else, I had never been 93 years old before,” he said. “I don’t know what I’m supposed to be.”
May said dizziness is one of the things she has to put up with these days, but said she’s generally pleased with how she feels as a result of prioritizing her fitness.
“I feel like I’ve invested in health and wellness by investing the time and energy to do it on a regular basis,” she said. “When I see other people my age, I’m usually in better shape than they are.”
May, who enjoys spending some of her free time on spiritual activities through her church, Community United Church of Christ in Exeter Township, shared some of the benefits she has gained from her efforts.
“One thing about being in good shape is that you’re less likely to fall,” he said. “You can counter more quickly, so if you trip and fall, you’re more able to control what happens.”
A testament to what physical activity can do for you as you age, May identified two age groups she’d like to motivate by sharing her personal experience.
“I hope it inspires young people to take the movement more seriously,” he said.
“For those 50 and older, one thing you need to accept is the inevitability of change, so don’t deny it and embrace it and do the best you can with what you have.”
