Physical inactivity is one of the biggest and most common health concerns in today’s world, especially among the older set. Those that do not stay active and watch their diet might well be the ones who will dread getting older when those “old” ailments start attacking their health.
It doesn’t have to be like that.
It’s a fact. You can help yourself as you mature by taking up an exercise program, and specifically, getting involved in some strength training, as well as watch your diet. Don’t buy into the notion that because you are getting older you should start taking it easy on yourself. You know, that “I’m getting older” thing so I’m going to start slacking off on my health.
No. This is the absolute worst time for you to start slacking with your health.
There are so many health reasons to start strength training right now. Begin before you start having problems with your digestive system, your back, your bones getting brittle, and so many other problems. You don’t want your body to lose its strength, this is when you need it even more than ever.
And exercise isn’t enough, you have to consider that diet, too. Exercise alone isn’t enough to keep you healthy and young looking. If you don’t get the proper nutrition, your body won’t be able to handle the exercise you need to have it conducting.
You need a lifestyle change and now is a good time to do that.
Having a sedentary life may increase your chances of getting diabetes, cancer, or heart disease. We all have a chance of getting a disease at any time in our lives, so if we can decrease those chances by a few small changes to our lifestyle, isn’t it worth it?
Aren’t YOU worth it?
Walking, cycling, stretching, Pilates, yoga, dancing, and other activities all help keep you fit and in shape as you get older, but to keep your muscles strong to help support your bones, you need to take up a strength training regimen. You’ll need to start slow and gradual and then build up as your body tells you it can handle it.
There is a secret to growing old gracefully and that is to love who you are, what you do, and to take care of yourself. Because you know that you are the only one who can do that for yourself.
Look forward to the new and improved version of a mature adult; one who is fit, strong, and active.
Aging and Exercise – How That Combo Can Lead to a More Meaningful Life
Let’s be honest. How many times have you heard the phrase “Poor so and so is getting so old he probably doesn’t have much of a life”?
Because everyone needs to get straightened out on this one.
Since when does the word “old” mean “having no life”?
Since when do we equate “more experienced in years” as being useless in society?
Their wisdom and serenity is so soothing to someone who is going through a hard time.
Heck, no! And that’s a BIG no, too!
Sure the bones might be getting a little more brittle than they used to be and maybe a few of the muscles and joints aren’t quite as smooth as they used to be, but the experience and wisdom that comes with those years of experience?
Priceless! And I really mean that.
Have you ever noticed something about the family get together or maybe the potluck at the Community Center? When there is a group of people crowded around an individual at these outings, who is usually in the middle of that crowd? Correct, it’s an older person who has the crowd spellbound by a story being crafted by someone who didn’t just read that history book, but actually lived it.
Who is the best person to go running to when Mom and/or Dad are busy? You got it, Grandma or Grandpa.
They didn’t coddle you, but they always had the time to listen to you and make you feel that you were important.
You take a night class at the local school one night a week. Who’s the popular person in that class?
Yep, the older person who has a personality that lights up the class with their quick and insightful comments and makes the class laugh with enjoyment.
How about when you’re picking up a few items at the neighborhood grocery store and, walking right there in front of you, is a mature couple strolling along holding hands and in a world of their own. It’s like a Hallmark Card where everyone wipes their eyes and tell each other “that’s what I want”.
I doubt I’m the only one who sees that a more mature person has the confidence in themselves to be able to adapt to almost any situation. Older people have more “people sense” than anyone else I’ve come across and they realize that it doesn’t take away from their “self” to give more to others, to share themselves so other people can learn from them.
Today’s mature individuals realize that the old commonly held belief that “you’re getting older and there’s nothing you can do about it” is a bunch of bunk!
Today’s mature individuals are more active than ever before by taking walks (I love seeing a whole group of older folk get together for their walk fests), some go to the gym, some take dance lessons, some take up yoga or Pilates, and others just do their best to stay away from the easy chair until the end of their day.
Older folk today are going on more cruises, taking more flights, and being more active with low impact sports and activities than ever before.
They are also more informed on what it takes to keep their bodies healthier by watching what their eat and taking supplements, if needed.
Today’s mature individuals know that by taking care of themselves physically, they can maintain a positive outlook in life which keeps their attitude about loving life at an all time high.
Getting old? Naw! Just more years of experience.
And that experience?
Priceless!