Ski instructor Fumio Hirasawa has been teaching seniors how to ski for more than 20 years, drawing on his strong belief that the winter sport isn’t only for the young and boosts both the physical and mental health of the elderly.

Taking the matter in hand, the 74-year-old Hirasawa wrote “Best Ski Text for Seniors,” a book about an easy turning technique he developed for people 60 and older.

“I think this is the first ski manual specifically targeting seniors,” Hirasawa said. “I’d like to take the leadership role in ski technique and teaching methods for the elderly because Japan’s population is aging so rapidly.”

His hopes are on the baby boomers, reasoning that many were once absorbed in skiing when they were young. Besides, there aren’t many other winter outdoor activities.

He said skiing can help older people maintain their physical strength, and getting outdoors helps reduce stress. At first glance, skiing would appear to be a difficult proposition for seniors. Unlike soccer, tennis or other sports, however, skiing does not require any particular muscle strength or hard movements like running, because it uses the force of gravity.

The technique he has developed for seniors is aimed at enabling them to make turns as an easy extension of everyday movements like walking or making their way down a flight of stairs. It is also intended to place little burden on the knee and hip joints.

via The Japan Times