Healthy aging: Tips for exercising as you age
Many older adults don’t exercise. However, exercise is vital for healthy aging. It helps you maintain your strength and agility, gives your mental health a boost, and can even help diminish chronic pain. Whether you are generally healthy or are coping with an ongoing disability or health problem, regular exercise will help you stay physically and mentally healthy and improve your confidence.
§ Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Find out if any health conditions or medications you take affect what exercise you should choose.
§ Find an activity you like and that motivates you to continue. You may want to exercise in a group, like in a sport or class, or prefer a more individual exercise like swimming.
§ Start slow. If you are new to exercise, a few minutes a day puts you well on the way towards building a healthy habit. Slowly increase the time and intensity to avoid injury.
§ Walking is a wonderful way to start exercising. Exercise doesn’t have to mean strenuous activity or time at the gym. In fact, walking is one of the best ways to stay fit. Best of all, it doesn’t require any equipment or experience and you can do it anywhere.
*Yes, a walk to Bukit Jalil at the weekend works wonders...now if only I can do this everyday...
Many older adults complain of sleep problems, including insomnia, daytime sleepiness, and frequent waking during the night. But aging doesn’t automatically bring sleep problems. Learning and practicing healthy sleep habits may be all you need to, once again, get a good night’s rest.
Read: Sleeping Well As You Age: Healthy Habits To Help You Sleep
There are many good reasons for keeping your brain as active as your body. Keeping your brain active and maintaining creativity actually may help to prevent cognitive decline and memory problems. The more you use and sharpen your brain, the more benefits you will get.
§ Try variations on what you know. For some people, it might be games. Other people may enjoy puzzles. Still others may enjoy trying out new cooking recipes. Find something that you enjoy and continue to try new variations and challenges. If you like crosswords, move to a more challenging crossword series or try your hand at a new word game. If you like to cook, try a completely different type of food, or try baking if you’ve mostly been cooking over the stove.
§ Work something new in each day. You don’t have to work elaborate crosswords or puzzles to keep your memory sharp. Try to work in something new each day, whether it is taking a different route to the grocery store or brushing your teeth with a different hand.
§ Take on a completely new subject. Taking on a new subject is a great way to continue to learn. Have you always wanted to learn a different language? Learn new computer skills? Learn to golf? There are many inexpensive classes at community centers or community colleges that allow you to tackle new subjects. Volunteering is also a great way to learn about a new area. Taking classes and volunteering is a great way to boost social connections, which is another brain strengthener.
http://helpguide.org/life/healthy_aging_seniors_aging_well.htm
*Yes...keeping our minds clear and free from worries and work...that should keep us healthy. Keep it up all.
Have a great year and a new you...Cheers!
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