At 82, Howard Stays Strong Enough to Enjoy the Life He Loves

Have you ever caught a glimpse of yourself and thought,When did I get weaker?

Not slower exactly. Not sick. Just… less solid.

For many active adults in their 50s and 60s, that realization comes quietly. You’re still busy. Still moving. Still doing the things you enjoy. But your strength is slipping and your waistline is creeping up, even though nothing feels dramatically wrong.

That’s where Howard Benson found himself in his early 60s.

“I’d always been active,” he says. “But I realized I was losing muscle in my legs, arms, and shoulders while my middle kept expanding.”

When the Body Asks for a Reboot

Howard traveled constantly for work. Long flights. Long drives. Long meetings. He rode horses, golfed, and gardened, but hours of sitting were starting to outweigh those activities.

“It was just the season of life when the body tells us it needs a reboot,” he says. “I wasn’t shocked. I just knew I had to do something.”

He began working out consistently, even using hotel gyms while traveling. Then came medical interruptions. A long-diagnosed aortic valve required replacement. Years later, worn cartilage led to both shoulders being replaced. Rehab followed each surgery.

Because he had maintained a base level of fitness, his recoveries went well. When rehab ended, Howard committed to structured strength training several days a week.

Now, in his third year of consistent training, Howard will turn 82 in March.

“I can honestly say I’m in as good physical and mental shape as I was two decades ago,” he says. “This chassis of mine has a lot of miles on it, but I really appreciate being fit enough to keep doing all the things I’ve always enjoyed.”

Why Strength Matters as We Age

Howard’s experience reflects what physicians and researchers emphasize about aging well.

According to the Mayo Clinic, age-related muscle loss — known as sarcopenia — begins as early as our 30s and accelerates over time unless we actively train against it. Regular resistance training has been shown to improve strength, balance, mobility, and overall physical function in older adults.

In practical terms, staying “active” isn’t always enough.

Strength matters.

For Howard, that strength shows up in daily life, not just in workouts.

“I look forward to going to the gym,” he says. “The workouts are demanding, but doable. I’m proud when I complete all the reps — or even exceed them.”

Protect the Life You Want to Keep Living

Howard’s story isn’t about defying age or chasing youth. It’s about responding wisely when the body sends a message — and taking action to protect independence.

If you want to:

• Travel confidently

• Play with grandchildren

• Recover well from setbacks

• Move without fear

• Stay independent

Strength is part of the equation.

At Desert Fitness Collective, we help seniors build muscle thoughtfully and safely, with programs designed specifically for adults 60, 70, and beyond.

The goal isn’t to rewind the clock.
It’s to stay strong enough to enjoy the life you love — for as long as possible.