How to age well? Stay active, and that’s just what a step-dancing 62-year-old in Hong Kong does - you’re never too old to start, she says

Starting an exercise programme can improve your quality of life and turn your physical and mental health around, even if you’re in your 60s or older

Teresa Yiu resisted trendy workouts because she thought she was too old – but found she’s just as capable as younger people of dancing up a storm

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Teresa Yiu (left) and Noelle Dohl Dino at XP Fitness Hub in Central in Hong Kong. An exercise programme can turn your health around and improve your quality of life, even if you’re in your 60s or older, like Yiu. Photo: Winson Wong

Published: 12:45pm, 12 Nov 2021

Worried about losing her memory, Teresa Yiu decided to take up step dancing. This May, she signed up for classes at XP Fitness Hub, in Hong Kong’s Central district, and in just five short months, she says that her memory is sharper.

“I’ve never really had trouble remembering things, but absent-mindedness and memory loss tend to start when one is in their 60s or 70s, and I wanted to see if I could delay those problems somehow,” says the Hong Kong-born housewife, who turns 63 this December.

“I chose step dancing, not only because I’ve always wanted to formally learn dance, but also because it requires a good memory, as each dance comprises about 40 steps. We learn a new routine every week, so I have to work hard to remember all the steps. After a few months of regular classes, I noticed an improvement in my memory and concentration. I feel a lot fitter, too.”

Yiu is proof that it’s never too late to turn your health around with exercise.

Yiu turns 63 this December. Photo: Winson Wong

“Exercise is great for maintaining muscle bulk and tone, improving balance and stability, improving cardiovascular health, maintaining a healthy weight, lowering blood sugar levels if you’re diabetic and boosting sleep quality,” says geriatrician Dr Chan Kin Ming from Chan KM Geriatric & Medical Clinic in Singapore.