Frank Gilfeather Is Still Shadowboxing On The Beach At Almost 81 And Wants Everyone To Keep Moving

THE BEACH. Frank Gilfeather is closing in on his 81st birthday, and he's still throwing hands at the water's edge.

The boxing devotee shadowboxes on the beach, hits the bag and gets moderate exercise three or four times a week. His reason is simple. Boxing gives him a reason to move, and he still loves it.

Gilfeather's message is to never give up on yourself. He wants people to pick something moderate today, whatever suits them. Walk 15 minutes from the front door, turn around and walk home, and that's half an hour done. Swim, stretch, cycle or go for a gentle jog, whatever you enjoy and feel able to do.

He is clear that nobody needs to flog themselves. If every session feels like a punishment, he says, you're unlikely to keep going. His advice is to find something you look forward to, take it at your own pace and make it part of your life.

"There's still so much life to enjoy," Gilfeather says. "Give yourself the chance to enjoy it."

For a fighter's game, that's the lesson that outlasts any bout: stay in the fight with your own health, round after round. Gilfeather's footwork on the sand shows it can be done at any age.