As we get older it’s very easy to slow down and take things easy with age. As we go through life we can pick up a variety of health problems such as weight or pain issues, or even worry that we could hurt ourselves with a fall. It may very well be that exercise just seems like a young person’s game, but nothing could be further from the truth. An active lifestyle becomes as important as ever to your health and wellbeing as you enter into your golden years.
Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be challenging at any age, and it’s fair to say that it doesn’t get easier with age. We can easily put up barriers and think that you’re too old and frail, or that you’re not the athlete you once were, or even that exercise is boring. (Admittedly running on a treadmill for 10 minutes can feel like the longest 10 minutes of your life!)
These may all sound like good reasons for slowing down but there are even better reasons for you to get moving.
Regular physical activity will keep you mobile and maintain your independence. People who keep active tend to have improved immunities and digestive functions which helps to reduce the impact of illness and chronic diseases. It also lowers your risk for a variety of conditions including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, certain cancers, obesity and even Alzheimer’s and dementia. These can diminish someone’s quality of life and be a cause of premature death.
Unlike crossword puzzles which are designed to keep the brain active, studies have shown that physical exercise has a huge benefit on the brain also. Exercise can help stimulate a variety of brain functions through multitasking and can prevent memory loss and cognitive decline. Not to mention the mood benefits can be just as helpful to a 70 year old, as they can be to a 20 year old. These range from helping you to get a better night’s sleep to boosting your self-confidence and endorphin levels.
Physical activity can also enhance your mobility and help with chronic conditions of pain. Exercise helps to improve your strength, flexibility and balance which all help to alleviate the symptoms of health issues such as arthritis.
Adults in Newham aged 65 and over spend on average 10 hours or more each day sitting or lying down. To help maximise your health benefits we should aim to do at least 150 minutes (2 and a half hours) of moderate activity each week.
If you dread working out, you’re not alone. Instead think about moderate activities that you do enjoy and see how you can incorporate them into an exercise routine. For instance acitveNewham working with the Newham council offers free swimming to all residents aged over 60 in our state-of-the-art facilities. Swimming offers a low impact full body workout, which has no restrictions in regards to height, weight, ability or age so everyone can get involved. In addition activeNewham offers a huge range of programs from Nordic walks to yoga classes so you can tailor what suits you and your lifestyle best.
As we get older we can also tend to get more isolated, try and reach out to friends and family to find an exercise buddy or take advantage of group programmes that are on offer at our centres. Keeping social and participating in activities such as walking football will holistically do you the world of good.
As always there are no guarantees in life. We can all eat right and keep active but that can’t prevent freak accidents or cruel twists of fate happening. Just look at all the wonderful people we’ve lost in 2016. Exercise without doubt can add years to your life, but it not about just adding years to your life, but life to your years. Keeping active into your golden years will improve your health and well-being, is proven to keep you sharp and energised and can prevent chronic disease and premature death. It’s never too late to start, so don’t delay!
Click here to find out more about swimming in Newham!
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