Joan MacDonald is an unlikely influencer. At nearly 80 years of age, she has garnered 2 million followers on Instagram since she began posting on the platform almost a decade ago. During that time, she has transformed her life and her health. Now she helps others to embrace ageing with strength and grace.
At 70, MacDonald, a Canadian living in Ontario, was experiencing several age-related health issues: high blood pressure, acid reflux, arthritis and obesity. Weighing 90kg (198lbs), she often felt tired and uncomfortable and was finding it increasingly difficult to move about easily.
Her daughter, Michelle MacDonald, the elite coach behind women’s fitness platform The Wonder Women and co-founder of online coaching brand Tulum Strength Club was concerned about her mother’s health. She challenged her to make a change under her guidance.
Joan accepted and overhauled her life, as evidenced on social media. Now, the regular weight trainer is not only a trim 59kg, she is also stronger and less likely to fall, break bones or develop osteoporosis.
Joan MacDonald lifts weights at the gym. Photo: Joan MacDonaldAs we age, we are at greater risk of losing bone density. Without a Dexa scan to measure our bone density, we may remain unaware that our bones are weakening until we suffer a fracture. The first sign of osteoporosis, or its precursor, osteopenia, is often a broken wrist.
Osteoporosis can also affect people early in life. Bone health specialist Rebekah Rotstein was diagnosed with osteoporosis at just 28.