Aging Feels a Lot Like High School - But With New Knees Instead of New Cars
This morning, while personal training one of my clients — an independent, healthy 85-year-old — I had to laugh.
We were reviewing his medical history and talking about his goals. Like many seniors, he wants to improve his strength and balance because he’s afraid of falling. But then he said something that stopped me in my tracks:
“All of my friends have pacemakers, and I want one too.”
I chuckled because it reminded me so much of high school.
Back then it was:
“My friends all have cars — I want one.”
Then later in life: “My friends are all having babies - maybe it’s time I have kids too.”
And now? “My friends are all getting new knees, I want new knees!”
It made me realize something: aging is like revisiting high school all over again - just with different milestones.
The “High School” of Aging
In high school, our bodies went through the dramatic changes of puberty. We’d learned about them in class, read about them in books, or maybe anticipated what was coming by watching older friends or siblings.
Aging is similar — but no one really prepares you for it.
The changes don’t happen overnight. They sneak up on you, year after year, until one day you notice:
Your balance isn’t quite what it used to be.
Recovery from a simple injury takes longer.
Strength and flexibility feel harder to maintain.
Just like puberty, it’s a stage of life marked by physical adjustments — except this time it’s slower, subtler, and often more frustrating.
The Physical Side of Aging
Healthy aging doesn’t mean avoiding change - it means adapting your strength, balance, and mobility routines to stay independent and confident. For seniors, this often includes:
Loss of muscle mass (sarcopenia): which can increase the risk of falls and frailty.
Decreased balance and coordination: making everyday tasks like climbing stairs or reaching for something in the cupboard harder.
Slower reaction time: which can make it difficult to “catch yourself” if you trip or stumble.
That’s why fall prevention training is so important. Exercises for seniors that improve strength, balance, mobility, and brain health are essential for preventing falls and maintaining independence
The Mental Side of Aging
The tricky part? Our minds often stay sharp even while our bodies change. Many older adults describe the frustration of feeling capable mentally, but limited physically.
Some even talk about feeling “invisible” in society as they age — overlooked despite having so much life experience to share. That emotional side of aging is just as important to address as the physical.
One way to do this? Movement combined with mental challenge.
Dual-task training for seniors - exercises that train both the body and brain - can boost balance, confidence, and cognitive health at any age.
How to Adapt: From “Growing Pains” to Growth Opportunities
The truth is, aging doesn’t have to mean decline. Just like high school, it’s a phase of transition. And the more tools you have, the easier it is to adapt.
Here are some ways to train your body and brain as you age:
Strength Training for Seniors – Simple exercises like sit-to-stands, wall push-ups, and resistance band pulls keep your muscles strong and protect your joints.
Balance Exercises – Heel raises, tandem stance (standing with one foot in front of the other), or stepping around the clock all improve stability.
Brain & Balance Activities – Try tossing a ball back and forth while counting backward, or practicing reaction drills with a partner. These keep both the brain and body sharp.
Mobility Work – Stretching, posture exercises, and gentle yoga reduce stiffness and keep you moving freely.
Final Thoughts
My client’s “I want a pacemaker too” comment might have been funny, but it also made me reflect. We all go through stages of life, and aging is no different. The key is not just to get through it, but to grow through it.
With the right approach — including balance training, brain and body exercises, and personalized fall prevention — older adults can stay strong, steady, and confident into their 80s and beyond.
Because aging may feel like high school all over again… but this time, you get to choose how you show up.
Looking for more ways to train your balance, protect your brain, and prevent falls? Check out our Brain & Balance Training Program and discover tools designed specifically for older adults.
FAQs - Aging, Balance & Brain-Body Health
Q1: Why does aging sometimes feel like being back in high school?
A: Just like high school, aging is full of change - only this time, the milestones are new knees instead of new cars. Many older adults notice shifts in balance, flexibility, and recovery speed. Understanding these changes and adapting your fitness routine helps you stay confident and independent through every stage.
Q2: What are the most common physical changes that come with aging?
A: With age, we naturally lose some muscle mass and coordination, and our reaction time slows. These changes can increase the risk of falls or injuries. The good news? Regular strength, balance, and mobility training can significantly improve your stability and make everyday movement easier.
Q3: How can exercise help me stay independent as I age?
A: Consistent movement builds the strength and confidence you need for daily life. Simple exercises like sit-to-stands, wall push-ups, heel raises, and gentle stretching protect your joints, improve posture, and help you move freely - all essential for aging well and avoiding unnecessary dependence on others.
Q4: What is “dual-task” or brain-and-balance training?
A: Dual-task training combines physical and mental challenges - for example, balancing while counting backward or tossing a ball while solving simple math. This kind of training strengthens your coordination and sharpens your brain at the same time, helping maintain both physical and cognitive health.
Q5: How often should older adults work on strength and balance?
A: Most adults over 60 benefit from two to three sessions per week of strength and balance exercises. Our HomeStretch Brain & Balance Training Program is designed to make these workouts safe, enjoyable, and effective whether you train at home or in a community class.
Q6: Is it too late to start strength training in my 70s or 80s?
A: Never! It’s always the right time to start moving. With proper guidance from a kinesiologist or trained professional, even gentle resistance or body-weight exercises can build muscle, improve coordination, and help prevent falls — no matter your age or ability.
Q7: How can I stay motivated to keep exercising as I get older?
A: Choose activities you enjoy and connect with others who share your goals. Small, consistent progress is more important than perfection. Celebrating milestones — whether it’s standing up from the floor or improving your posture — builds long-term motivation and confidence.
Q8: How can I get started with a senior-friendly exercise plan in Niagara County, St. Catharines or other cities in Southern Ontario?
A: Visit www.homestretch4seniors.ca/contact to book your free consultation. Our kinesiologists specialize in in-home and community programs for older adults across Niagara and St. Catharines - focusing on strength, mobility, and brain-and-balance training designed to keep you active, confident, and independent.
Join our HomeStretch community and explore simple, proven ways to move better and feel stronger every day.
Author Bio - Melissa Gunstone, BSc, Kinesiologist
Founder of HomeStretch Active Living. Known as The Fall Prevention Coach, Melissa has spent over a decade helping seniors across Ontario improve strength, balance, and brain health to protect independence.
Aging Feels a Lot Like High School - Niagara - St. Catharines, Hamilton, Dundas, Burlington, Toronto - Fall Prevention | Strength & Mobility | Caregiver Resources
