Richarad Morgan, a 93-year-old Irish man with the aerobic "engine" of a man less than half his age, has astounded scientists by rowing around the world almost 10 times since turning 70.
Morgan, from Douglas in Co Cork, did not start exercising until he was in his 70s when he attended his grandson's rowing practice and a coach invited him to try out a rowing machine.
Morgan took to the rowing machine instantly and has now rowed the equivalent of 10 circuits of the globe on the fitness machine over the past two decades. He has also become a four-time world champion in indoor rowing.
His 29-year-old grandson Lorcan Daly, who works as an assistant lecturer in exercise science at the Technological University of the Shannon, raised the idea of studying his grandfather's physiology to his colleagues.
In November, Daly co-authored a study published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, which studied Morgan's training, diet, and physiology and found that he has a similar aerobic engine to someone in their 30s or 40s.
Excited to see our study "Physiological Characteristics of a 92-Year-Old 4-time World Champion Indoor Rower" now published in @japplphysiol @APSPublications.
An honour to complete this analysis in my own grandfather!
Summary thread below🔽@BasVanHoorenhttps://t.co/Dfjg8jH3SQ
— Lorcan Daly (@LorcanDaly10) November 4, 2023
Philip Jakeman, a professor in physical education and sports science at the University of Limerick, and Bas Van Hooren, a strength and conditioning specialist at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, agreed to study Morgan's exercise habits and asked the 93-year-old rower to race a simulated 2,000-meter time trial while they monitored his heart, lungs, and muscles.
The results left the three researchers astounded, with Richard's heartbeat peaking at 153 beats per minute during the trial, one of the highest rates ever recorded for someone in their 90s.
They were equally surprised by the fact that Richard's heart rate peaked quickly, stating that this allows his heart to rapidly supply his muscles with fuel and oxygen, a key signal of strong cardiovascular health.
Professor Jakeman described the study as "one of the most inspiring days" he has ever spent in the lab, while Daly said it was "really an amazing sight" to see his grandfather performing at such a high level.
"It tells us that fitness is very responsive. You can start at any time. It’s never too late," Daly told the Irish Independent.
The study found that consistency is key to Morgan's strong heart, stating that the 93-year-old exercises for about 40 minutes per day, while his diet is also "extremely consistent" and high in protein.
"He has the same breakfast and lunch every day. He will vary the dinner, but it will have the same macronutrients. Breakfast is probably porridge, lunch is salads with slices of ham and a wholegrain scone," Daly told the Independent.
Daly added that his grandfather often has a protein shake after a workout because he recognizes the importance of maintaining a healthy muscle mass. He said loss of muscle mass is a key factor in lack of mobility among elderly people.
Morgan also avoids pushing himself too hard in training, with about 70% of his exercises qualifying as "easy". A further 20% of his training is described as more difficult but tolerable, while 10% of his training is reserved for a high-intensity workout that is barely sustainable.
He does two or three sessions of dumbbell weight training every week, pushing himself until he is close to failure.
Daly said his grandfather's exercise regime has also created a number of mental health benefits, stating that exercise gives Richard "purpose, joy, and a sense of well-being".
"I’ve seen huge benefits in sense of mood and energy levels."
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