Heart boosted by training at any age

I read with interest this week that the benefits of endurance exercise can be felt no matter how young or old you are. Adults who start running or cycling past the age of 40 feel the same health effects as those who start before 30, new research says.

I'm glad to hear that. Although I've exercised sporadically since leaving school, I wouldn't say it's ever reached the level of 'consistent', so now I know I haven't left it too late if I did want to give my fitness a boost.

Does age matter in sport?

 Nowadays, the sporting world overlooks older sportsmen, and they are never considered to be as good as in their 'heyday'. However, many sportsmen and women have achieved success, despite any age disadvantage. There have been plenty of good examples, for example Roger Federer recently regaining his 7th Wimbledon title, even though he's 31 years of age.

Swimmer Janet Evans

 And a four time Olympic gold medalist, has gone out of retirement to help the United States bid for Olympic glory. At the tender age of 40, Janet Evans has qualified for the US' 400 and 800 metre freestyle teams, bidding to win her 5th and 6th Olympic gold medals, but will face fierce competition of British European and Olympic champion Rebecca Adlington.