Older Adults and Physical Activity...A BIG DEAL!

Today, we know a lot more about older adults and their need to stay active and exercise. Regardless of your health and physical ability, if you are an older adult, you can gain a lot by staying physically active. Even if it is difficult to stand or walk, you can still exercise and benefit from it. In fact, you have more to lose by NOT doing it.

We have a gentleman at the health club I work at who just turned 92 years old. He comes 5x/week at 5:30am and rides the stationary bike. Could there be a correlation between his longevity and his willingness to be active?

Research suggests that people die from inactivity, not just from aging. “We know that as people age, they lose muscle, their immunities weaken and because of their weakened immunity, they are more likely to die of infectious diseases or cancers.” says Dr. Gabe Mirkin (www.DrMirkin.com) The most prevalent chronic diseases among older adults include arthritis, cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. One in three people over the age of 65 will have a fall. Almost a third of these falls will result in moderate to severe injuries.

Don’t let yourself become a statistic. Get active today. Exercise generally falls into four main categories—endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Exercise and being active can benefit every area of your life. Check out these “practical” reasons to get started.

ENDURANCE activities will make it easier for you to: push your grandchildren on the swings, vacuum, rake leaves, etc.

STRENGTH training can maintain your ability to: carry a full laundry basket from the basement to the first floor, carry your smaller grandchildren, lift bags of mulch, etc.

FLEXIBILITY, or stretching, exercises make it possible for you to: look over your shoulder to see what’s behind you as you back your car out of the driveway, make a bed, bend over to tie your shoes, etc.

BALANCE exercises can help you: stand on your tiptoes to reach something on the top shelf, walk up and down stairs, walk on an uneven sidewalk without falling, etc.

Enjoy all the benefits that living an active lifestyle can bring. Don't wait until it is too late to get started. Now is the time. Start simple and go from there.

Good luck,
Tim