Almost ten years ago, Joan MacDonald found herself dealing with deteriorating health and a future that seemed to depend on medication—until she made a life-changing choice. Now nearing 80, she is stronger than ever and motivates millions to take charge of their health by sharing five key tips.
At 70, Joan was in a situation many older adults can relate to—facing health issues and relying on medication to cope. Residing in Ontario, Canada, she had come to accept that high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and acid reflux were just part of getting older. However, her daughter, Michelle, had a different perspective.
During a visit right before Christmas in 2016, Michelle noticed her mother struggling to breathe after climbing a set of stairs. “I was really huffing and puffing going up and down the stairs,” Joan remembered. Worried about her mother’s future, Michelle, a fitness coach, confronted her with a blunt truth. “Michelle told me directly, ‘You don’t have to get old like everyone else does,’” Joan recounted. That simple yet powerful statement marked a pivotal moment in her life.
Joan had been somewhat active in her earlier years, enjoying activities like bowling, but frequent falls and a knee replacement in 2014 made it harder for her to stay active. Although she had seen Michelle compete in figure competitions and train others, Joan had never thought about exercising herself. However, that day, the fear of experiencing the same health issues she had seen in her own mother made her realize it was time to make a change.
Joan shared, “My daughter became quite worried. She realized that if she wanted me to be there for her, she needed to take action.” In January 2017, shortly after her talk with Michelle, Joan became a member of a transformation group that her daughter was leading. Although the other participants were much younger, Joan was committed to improving herself. She started by adhering to Michelle’s personalized workout routines, printing out exercise PDFs, and eventually decided to get an iPad to watch instructional videos online.
Joan shared, “My acid reflux was really bad. I was constantly choking and felt terrible. I could have given up at that moment, but I didn’t want to settle. I was looking for something better.” With dedication, her efforts eventually bore fruit. By October 2018, she had completely quit all her medications, started going to a nearby gym, and was getting praised for her increasing strength and toned body.
At first, Joan was unsure about hitting the gym, worried about what others might think of her. However, she soon discovered that most gym-goers were more absorbed in their own workouts to notice anyone else. “I believe many people hesitate to begin because they fear being scrutinized,” Joan shared. “In reality, everyone is just preoccupied with their own goals.”
Joan has shown that with commitment and effort, she can enhance not only her physical strength but also her overall health. By 2022, at almost 76 years old, she had shed 60 pounds and was able to bench press 80 pounds. Now nearing 80, Joan exemplifies that it’s never too late to take charge of your health. She receives numerous messages from followers who are motivated by her story, many of whom “follow me for their parents,” she remarked.
With over two million followers on Instagram as of now, Joan, who will celebrate her 79th birthday in March, has leveraged her platform to challenge the common perceptions of aging. “We’ve been taught to accept our lives as they are — that menopause is inevitable, that we’ll gain weight, and that everything will decline after 40. But that’s simply not the case. It’s absolutely not true,” she emphasized.
In contrast to younger fitness influencers, Joan doesn’t focus on comparisons or current trends. “You can’t measure yourself against someone else. You’re one of a kind. As long as you’re giving it your all, it doesn’t matter what others are doing,” she explained. Her journey has evolved into something greater than just her own transformation; it’s about motivating others to take charge of their health.
“We all seem to share the same belief — fitness has transformed us,” she noted. “We may approach it differently, but the ultimate goal remains the same — empower individuals to reclaim their lives.”
Joan’s Five Keys to a Healthier Life
Joan credits her achievements to five key principles that she thinks can assist anyone in regaining their health, no matter their age. The first principle is to increase protein intake. “Aim for at least 1g of protein for every pound [500g] of your ideal healthy body weight. As we age, it’s important to consume more protein, not less,” she recommended.
One important suggestion is to focus on a diet filled with high-quality produce. “Incorporate vegetables of every color, along with nutritious fats such as cheese, nuts, and avocado, and opt for wholesome starches like sweet potatoes and rolled oats,” she shared.
The third piece of advice emphasizes the importance of strength training. “Just three sessions a week lasting 30 to 45 minutes can significantly enhance your reflexes, overall strength, and muscle tone. Weight training is one of the most effective ways to combat muscle loss and improve posture, especially as we age,” Joan explained.
The fourth suggestion encourages finding more joy in life. “Surround yourself with individuals who uplift you. Engage in activities that bring positivity and abundance into your life. Ultimately, you are the one responsible for your happiness,” the 78-year-old shared.
Finally, the fifth tip is to continue learning. “Cultivate a growth mindset. Seek out experiences that broaden your perspective and challenge your thinking,” she advised.
“Such valuable advice! You truly inspire us,” commented one user on social media. Another added, “These tips are fantastic! Thank you!” A third remarked, “I admire your muscle tone!”
Joan’s journey demonstrates that age should not be seen as a barrier but rather as a chance for personal growth. Through dedication, balanced nutrition, and strength training, she revitalized her health and motivated countless others.
For those who find inspiration in remarkable transformations, Joan’s story is just one of many. Reality star Casey King’s “incredible transformation” also left social media users in awe after he shed 600 pounds.
