How do older athletes maintain high performance?

On Saturday, boxer Bernard Hopkins could become the oldest fighter, at 46 years and four months, to win a major world title. Hopkins doesn't smoke or drink. Todd Wetzel, the vice chairman of orthopedics and sports medicine at Temple's School of Medicine, said avoiding cigarettes was wise for the athlete because nicotine can slow the healing of fractures and contribute to cardiac-disease risk. As for alcohol, Wetzel said, moderation matters. "It's OK to have reasonable consumption of alcohol," he said. "You can't say, 'I'm not going to drink for two weeks,' and then go on a binge."
May 18, 2011 | Philadelphia Inquirer