Plant Fuelled Podcast

At 78 years old, Jane Thurnell-Read is deadlifting, strength training, and redefining what ageing looks like.In this episode of the Plant Fuelled Podcast, we talk strength training over 70, plant-based ageing, and why it’s never too late to start. What if ageing didn’t mean slowing down… What if strength had no expiry date? In this episode of the Plant Fuelled Podcast, I’m joined by Jane Thurnell-Read, author, strength trainee, and at 78 years old, someone who’s redefining what ageing actually looks like. After a short break heading into 2026, this conversation felt essential especially if your New Year motivation is already fading or you’ve caught yourself thinking “it’s too late for me now.” Jane proves calmly, confidently, and without hype that it isn’t. We dive into ageing, strength training, mindset, independence, and why building muscle later in life isn’t about aesthetics it’s about protecting your future self. We talk longevity, resilience, and what it really means to age well, not just longer. And yes we explore all of this through the lens of a plant-based lifestyle, without protein panic, fear-mongering, or outdated assumptions about what older bodies are “allowed” to do. This isn’t motivation porn. 🧠 In This Episode, We Cover: • Why it’s never too late to start strength training — at any age • Ageing vs decline: why the two are not the same thing • The role of resistance training in bone health, balance, confidence & independence • Why strength matters more than aesthetics as we get older • How mindset shapes physical capability later in life • The quiet danger of being told to “take it easy” as you age • Training for life — not just the gym • Building strength, resilience, and longevity on a plant-based diet • Challenging the low expectations society places on ageing bodies (especially women) • What Jane wants people to understand about getting older — before it’s too late