Andrew Nathanson first experienced surfing at age 14 on the beaches of Waikiki, an encounter that sparked a lifelong passion for the sport. Now 63 and a professor at Brown University, Nathanson has combined his interests in emergency medicine and marine injuries with decades of surfing experience around the world. Despite physical changes that have slowed his ability to paddle and stand on the board, his enthusiasm for surfing remains undiminished.
Maintaining a passion for physical activity throughout aging is increasingly recognized as an important factor in health and longevity. Research published in 2022 in the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that regular exercise—amounting to two and a half hours per week—could potentially prevent 15% of premature deaths. However, motivation to remain active often shifts with age due to physical limitations, chronic conditions, or injuries.
Experts emphasize that older adults need to find new ways to sustain enthusiasm and enjoyment in exercise, sometimes described by surfers as “maintaining the stoke.” Dr. Norman Vinn, an osteopathic physician specializing in geriatrics, explains this as preserving the excitement and pleasure derived from movement, whether in surfing or simpler forms like walking.
Adapting to the aging body is a central challenge. Nathanson and Vinn are members of the Surfer’s Medical Association, which developed a framework called Surfactics aimed at helping aging athletes embrace physical changes. This five-step process includes recognition of declining abilities, understanding the biological changes involved, acceptance of new limits, adaptation of activities, and celebration of continued engagement. For example, understanding that fast-twitch muscle fibers diminish earlier than endurance fibers can guide older individuals to focus more on strength training and moderate-intensity cardio.
Acceptance is often the most difficult stage. Vinn recounts moments when he realized he was no longer surfing with the same capability but instead “bobbing” in the water. Adaptations might involve altering the type or intensity of exercise, such as switching from traditional surfing to stand-up paddleboarding, or scaling back running distances. Social connection remains a critical motivational factor, as psychological research indicates that group participation often outweighs competitive drives for older adults.
Dr. Joseph A. Mikels, a psychologist at DePaul University, underscores that social engagement and the joy of belonging to a community often sustain physical activity more effectively in older populations than competition or comparison. This social aspect can also extend beyond active participation to include volunteering or supporting related activities, thereby preserving a sense of connection even if one’s physical capabilities decline.
For Nathanson, Vinn, and others, the key is identifying and nurturing what generates passion, or “stoke,” throughout life’s stages. Even when physical limits prevent direct participation, maintaining ties to the sport’s culture and community can provide meaning and fulfillment. Vinn, now 77, continues to surf regularly with much younger companions, prioritizing enjoyment over performance.
Ultimately, experts advocate for a flexible, positive approach to aging and exercise, encouraging individuals to adapt their routines and to celebrate their achievements at every stage. This mindset, they say, can help sustain physical health and emotional well-being well into older age.