Prof Peter Reaburn: Successful Ageing, Masters Athletes and Swimming for Life

What does it mean to age successfully as an athlete?

In this episode, I sit down with Professor Peter Reaburn, one of Australia's leading experts on masters athletes and someone who has spent a lifetime bridging the gap between sport science and real-world athletic performance.

Peter's journey spans competitive swimming, surf lifesaving, triathlon, academia and masters sport. From winning one of Queensland's earliest triathlons and achieving his goal of racing the Ironman World Championship in Hawaii, to leading research into healthy ageing and athletic performance, Peter brings a unique combination of scientific expertise and lived experience.

Together, we explore:

• What defines a masters athlete
• The concept of successful ageing
• Why increasing numbers of older adults are turning to open water swimming
• The role of social connection in lifelong participation
• How training should evolve as we age
• The importance of maintaining intensity and introducing new training stimuli
• Strength training, muscle mass and healthy ageing
• Recovery, sleep and nutrition for masters athletes
• Open water swimming skills, safety and preparation
• Common mistakes older athletes make
• Practical advice for swimmers who want to remain active and competitive for life

Throughout the conversation, Peter shares not only the science underpinning healthy ageing and athletic performance, but also lessons learned from more than five decades in swimming, surf lifesaving and endurance sport.

Whether you're an open water swimmer, triathlete, coach or simply interested in maintaining health and performance as you age, this episode provides valuable insights into what it means to stay active, engaged and thriving throughout life.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

• Research on successful ageing in masters athletes (David Geard and colleagues)
• Research on recovery in masters athletes (Thomas Doering, Nattai Borges and colleagues)
• Peter Reaburn's work on masters athlete training, recovery and longevity
• Miami Masters Swimming Club
• Masters Swimming Australia

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This interview was recorded on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar. I acknowledge the Noongar people as the Traditional Custodians of these lands and waters and pay my respects to Elders past and present.