ACTIVE LIVING (Part 4)
This is the fourth, and final installment in a series on physical activity. The first three parts focused on children (ages 5-11), youth (ages 12-17) and adults (ages 18-64). This segment speaks to seniors (ages 65+).
As you enter your ‘golden years’, physical fitness is as important as ever. Leading a healthy lifestyle at this stage can help protect you from some of the challenges faced by seniors. Exercise can help with your balance, which may reduce any chance of falling, for example. It can help prevent other serious ailments too, such as osteoporosis and high blood pressure.
If you are already active then you’re ahead of the game, but if you aren’t, there’s nothing to say you can’t start now. Be sure to find an activity that interests you and start off slowly, gradually increasing the duration of the exercise you choose. Whatever pace you start off at, you should be aiming, ultimately, for about two-and-a-half hours of aerobic activity a week and they should include activities that will get your heart-rate beating fast (like running or biking, for example). You also want to aim to include core strengthening activities as well if you can. They are activities that will create resistance which in turn help develop/maintain bone and muscle strength (gardening or stair climbing, for example).[1]
One of the best parts about exercise – and one of the most convenient – is it doesn’t have to be organized, and it can be quite cost-effective. Everyday activities can act as physical activity, and the results are just as good. Instead of driving to the corner store, try walking there instead. Instead of the elevator, try the stairs. If you live in a building with a pool, try swimming which is an excellent source of fitness.
Living a healthy lifestyle is really important for anyone, regardless of age. And while everyone should strive to include exercise into their daily lives, the unfortunate reality is that it may not be safe for you to do so. So before you get started, remember to consult your physician, or any of the health professionals at Kew Gardens Health Group.
Written by Stephen Colomvakos
[1] Physical Activity: Tips to Get Active (2001). Retrieved September 8, 2011, from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/hp-ps/hl-mvs/pa-ap/08paap-eng.php
