For decades, Mick Jagger has raced across stages around the world with explosive energy, commanding charisma and the signature dance moves that became part of his legend.
While many of his contemporaries have slowed down or retired entirely, the Rolling Stones frontman continues to perform for hours before tens of thousands of fans, displaying a level of fitness more commonly associated with much younger stars. His stamina has impressed not only music fans but also medical experts, who have tried to understand how he has maintained such physical vitality for so long.
Even after turning 80, Jagger reportedly follows an intensive fitness routine that would exhaust many people several decades younger. He trains six days a week and combines kickboxing, running, yoga and classical ballet. But can the human body really withstand that level of exertion in its ninth decade?
Rare genetics or hard work?
The first question raised by the sight of an 80-year-old sprinting across a stage is whether he possesses exceptional natural gifts or has simply followed an unusually disciplined routine. According to experts, the answer lies somewhere in between.
“To achieve performances like these, you need what we call a multifactorial combination, with many elements working together,” said Dr. Eyal Ginesin, head of sports medicine and arthroscopy for Clalit Health Services’ Haifa and Western Galilee district and a senior physician at Carmel Medical Center. “These include environmental factors related to lifestyle that we can control, alongside genetic factors that provide the potential for success.”
Prof. Abid Assali, director of cardiology at Meir Medical Center, also part of Clalit, said the combination produces the best results, but one factor stands out in Jagger’s case. “The central key is consistency,” he said. “Most people in their 80s simply do not maintain such a routine, and neither do many younger people who are busy with work and family.
“Genetically, even an abnormality in the anatomy of the knees that causes pain can create a negative cycle. The more pain a person feels, the less activity they do.”
Strength and flexibility
Jagger’s training routine is not limited to demanding aerobic exercise designed to improve endurance and burn calories. It also requires a careful balance between strength and flexibility, while limiting potentially harmful strain on the joints and heart.
Is training six days a week at that intensity dangerous for the heart or joints?
“As long as a person exercises regularly and does not experience pain, it means the body is capable of handling that level of effort,” Assali said. “The problem begins when people do too much in too little time, like weekend warriors who sit in an office all week and then suddenly overload their bodies. That can quickly lead to injury.
“If Jagger trains six days a week and is accustomed to it, he significantly lowers his risk of injury because his heart and body are used to the load. However, he still needs routine medical checks, including an exercise stress test, because chronologically he is still in his 80s.”
His heart and body are accustomed to the strain
(Photo: AP)
Is it essential to combine demanding aerobic exercise with stretching activities such as yoga and classical ballet?
“Absolutely,” Ginesin said. “Strength comes from activities that improve the muscle’s ability to carry a load, while yoga and Pilates develop flexibility, range of motion and stability in the tendons and ligaments. This work produces static muscle lengthening and is very safe. The combination of strength and flexibility is the winning formula.”
The basic rules for active aging
Most people do not have Jagger’s resources, schedule or team of professionals, but the experts say several basic principles can help almost anyone preserve physical function later in life.
They recommend combining daily strength exercises lasting 20 to 30 minutes with activities that improve mobility and flexibility, such as yoga, as well as cardiovascular exercise including swimming or supervised walking.
The most important rule, Ginesin said, is gradual progression. “If something begins to bother you, the body is signaling that you are not ready for that level yet and need to reduce the load,” he said. “The muscles must also be given time to recover, with one or two days of rest between workouts, and nutrition should include enough electrolytes to prevent salt depletion.”
With his partner, Melanie Hamrick
(Photo: Lia Toby/Getty Images)
Assali advised particular caution with movements that carry a greater risk of injury. “Jumping from a height or pivoting movements can endanger the ligaments in the knees,” he said. “Repetitive movements involving lifting the arm above shoulder level can cause tears in the shoulder.”
A healthy lifestyle and long-term consistency, he said, play a major role in aging well. “There is no doubt that someone at Jagger’s level benefits from an enormous support system, but consistency simply works, and the facts speak for themselves,” Assali said. “For the average person, the message is to maintain mental resilience and simply get up and go to the nearest gym.”