The Ageless Advantage: Dr. Barbara Bartlik’s Secrets to Staying Active and Sharp at 71

The integrative psychiatrist and wellness advocate shares how tennis, cycling, and simple daily habits keep her body strong and her mind resilient—proving it’s never too late to reclaim your health.

At 71, Dr. Barbara Bartlik is living proof that age is just a number—especially when you make movement a lifelong priority. As an integrative psychiatrist who blends mental health with holistic wellness, she has a personal prescription for vitality: keep moving, stay social, and challenge your body every day.

For Bartlik, tennis isn’t just a pastime; it’s a vital thread in the fabric of her health. “I love tennis,” she says enthusiastically. “I play doubles now because singles is a bit much, but doubles is perfect. It’s fun, it’s social, and when you’ve made a date, you can’t back out. Even on days you don’t feel like it, you go—and you’re always happy you did.”

She describes tennis as the perfect balance of cardio and strength training. “You’re running, which gets your heart rate up, but when you hit the ball, you’re engaging your core and upper body. You feel it after a good match.” For decades, she’s played three to four times a week at Central Park’s soft-surface Har-Tru courts, which she calls “the best in the world” for their joint-friendly surface.

Cycling adds another layer to her active lifestyle. If she’s not on the tennis court, you’ll likely find her biking around the park’s loop or commuting a few miles to her office. “Even short rides keep my knees strong and my circulation going,” she says, noting that physical therapists often recommend cycling for joint health.

But Dr. Bartlik’s wellness philosophy goes beyond formal workouts—it’s about counteracting the modern sedentary lifestyle. “It’s very sad how tied to desks people have become,” she says. “I remember my own long days working for New York State—there was hardly time to move.” Now she swears by her standing desk, alternating between sitting and standing to reduce strain. “Sitting for hours is terrible for circulation, for your pelvic floor, and for your posture. Standing keeps the blood flowing and prevents stiffness.”

She also warns about “tech neck,” a common consequence of hours hunched over devices. Her solution? Morning stretches to open the chest and realign the spine. “Stretching as soon as you get up helps break those tight fascia bonds from poor posture.”

Dr. Bartlik underscores that regular movement isn’t only about physical health. “Exercise is probably the most important thing you can do to prevent dementia,” she emphasizes. “Moderate activity, 30 minutes a day, five days a week, reduces inflammation and keeps your mind sharp.”

Breaking Free from the Comfort Trap: A Call to Rediscover Movement

In today’s world, convenience is king—but it’s also quietly eroding our health. Dr. Barbara Bartlik sees it everywhere: groceries delivered to doorsteps, food prepared and handed over without a step into the kitchen, screens that occupy our hands and minds for hours. The comforts of modern living, she warns, come at a steep price.

“Our bodies were designed for motion, not for sitting eight hours a day or letting machines do everything for us,” Dr. Bartlik reflects. “When we stop moving, our circulation suffers, our muscles weaken, and our minds grow sluggish. In many ways, a sedentary lifestyle is as dangerous as smoking. It chips away at our vitality, little by little.”

But breaking free from this “comfort trap” doesn’t require dramatic changes. Dr. Bartlik advocates starting small—standing more during the workday, taking short walks, stretching upon waking, or even doing chores by hand. “Every little bit of movement matters. You don’t need a gym membership or marathon ambitions. You just need to keep your body in motion.”

For Dr. Bartlik, the rewards of staying active go beyond physical health. “Movement gives you energy, lifts your mood, and sharpens your mind. It’s a form of self-respect—a way of honoring the body that carries you through life.” Her message is both empowering and urgent: reclaim your mobility before it slips away. “Don’t let comfort steal your strength. Your future self will thank you.”