Los Angeles Times quoted Jennifer Ailshire in a story on 76-year-old snowboarder Dick Schulze, the US’s oldest competitor in the sport. There are several reasons for the rise of autumnal athleticism, including better diet, better training and physical conditioning, and less exposure to disease, she said. “Our conditions of living have improved. We’re less likely to have accidents and injuries than in the past. Our world is a healthier, safer world than it used to be. … In terms of the world of athletics, exercise science and the science behind competition have also improved over time, so that athletes just have more longevity than they’ve ever had before.”
