Exercise at Any Age

Exercise is not just for the young it is also for the young at heart it helps keep us 'young at heart'. We have heard many excuses and I am sure some of you have come up with some doozies yourself, but know this, stillness is bad.  Approximately 3 million people die each year due to physical inactivity.  Regular exercise is important in all stages of life, it is especially critical in older adults for good health.  You are never too old and it is never too late.  Of course you should always consult your doctor prior to beginning a program and your doctor can prescribe the best type of activity.  If you have been inactive start slowly, begin with 5-10 minutes of moderate of physical activity each day, when you feel yourself beginning to get stronger than gradually either increase the amount of time or the intensity.  It is not always your age that gives you that tired feeling and thinking 'I just need to take it easy' it is more likely we just need to get up, get moving and get that blood pumping.  Your life is better when you get up and get moving, more movement means more energy. 

You goal should be approximately 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week like a brisk walk or bike ride.  If we break this down to 30 minute sessions that is a minimum 30 minutes a day / 5 days a week. Yes mowing the lawn, rigorously cleaning, walking the dog, etc. count. You don't have to do all 30 minutes in one chunk they can be broken up in to mini chunks.  Exercise also aids in our flexibility, unfortunately as we age we do not move like we used to but we can improve some of that stiffness in our bodies and the range of motion in our joints. It is important in older adults to maintain muscle mass and flexibility to help prevent falls or protect us when we do fall.  Please remember we do need to listen to our bodies and if something is painful discontinue that activity.

Now some of you may so 'I don't like to exercise or go to the gym.'  Think outside the box when it comes to physical activity, you don't need to do a 5 mile run or CrossFit.  Find activities you like to do, like lawn work, gardening, swimming, walking.  More communities are adding trails to their parks, housing communities and schools.  Exercise can be more fun with a partner or in a group, there are probably groups in your area or form your own group.  There are benefits of exercising with others, it keeps your accountable, helps you stay motivated, and they may introduce you to new activities.

Are you saying 'I don't have the time?'  We are the only ones that can do this for ourselves and when we are healthy we provide the best of ourselves to others.  We can be a more present parent or grandparent, spouse, friend or co-worker. Your friends and family will notice.

But I am in good health...exercise is not just for those that need to improve their health, it is necessary for all of us to maintain our good health.  Kind of like checking the oil, windshield wiper fluid or any kind of maintenance on our vehicles it keeps them running better, more efficiently and reliable.  The only difference, we can replace our vehicle when necessary but this is the only body you are going to get so let's maintain it and be kind to it.

Be healthy, safe and get moving💝💪💦

Rickie