How 79-year-old influencer lost 30kg and now has the bone density of a 20-year-old

Resistance training helped Joan MacDonald drop her weight and massively reduce her risk of osteoporosis and breaking bones

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Joan MacDonald took up her daughter Michelle’s challenge to overhaul her lifestyle, dropping from 90kg at the age of 70 (left) to 59kg at 79. Resistance training played a key part. Photo: Joan MacDonald

Published: 7:15am, 18 Oct 2025

Joan MacDonald is an unlikely influencer. At nearly 80 years of age, she has garnered 2 million followers on Instagram since she began posting on the platform almost a decade ago. During that time, she has transformed her life and her health. Now she helps others to embrace ageing with strength and grace.

At 70, MacDonald, a Canadian living in Ontario, was experiencing several age-related health issues: high blood pressure, acid reflux, arthritis and obesity. Weighing 90kg (198lbs), she often felt tired and uncomfortable and was finding it increasingly difficult to move about easily.

Her daughter, Michelle MacDonald, the elite coach behind women’s fitness platform The Wonder Women and co-founder of online coaching brand Tulum Strength Club was concerned about her mother’s health. She challenged her to make a change under her guidance.

Joan accepted and overhauled her life, as evidenced on social media. Now, the regular weight trainer is not only a trim 59kg, she is also stronger and less likely to fall, break bones or develop osteoporosis.

Joan MacDonald lifts weights at the gym. Photo: Joan MacDonald

As we age, we are at greater risk of losing bone density. Without a Dexa scan to measure our bone density, we may remain unaware that our bones are weakening until we suffer a fracture. The first sign of osteoporosis, or its precursor, osteopenia, is often a broken wrist.

Osteoporosis can also affect people early in life. Bone health specialist Rebekah Rotstein was diagnosed with osteoporosis at just 28.

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How 79-year-old influencer lost 30kg and now has the bone density of a 20-year-old

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Resistance training helped Joan MacDonald drop her weight and massively reduce her risk of osteoporosis and breaking bones

Resistance training helped Joan MacDonald drop her weight and massively reduce her risk of osteoporosis and breaking bones