Every year, baby boomers and their parents make resolutions to live an active lifestyle. Engaging in fulfilling activities and strong relationships improves health.
Physical, social and intellectual activities comprise the basis for aging gracefully. Living an active-aging lifestyle is easy, but it does require advanced planning. Use a calendar to schedule time for outings. The visual reminder will stimulate the drive for activity.
Need inspiration on how to get started? Try this simple, but effective plan.
- Physical activity and exercise assist in maintaining cognitive skills and reducing the risk of dementia. It doesn't mean one needs to run a marathon or spend hours in a gym. Being physically active means completing household chores, going for a walk, or joining the neighbor kids for a quick game of kickball. Naturally, if people prefer to join a gym, find one that fits your interests.
- The International Council on Active Aging reports that 87% of older people report at least one foot problem. Purchase a good pair of shoes and socks. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, foot pain is not a normal part of the aging process. Comfortable shoes and socks are a solid investment.
- Walking improves lower body strength, maintains mobility and helps lessen cognitive decline. Even if the weather is uncooperative, several DVDs featuring indoor walking programs are available.
- Balance becomes important as one ages. Balance enhances everyday activities, like reaching into a cupboard or top shelf of a closet, and avoiding falls. Adult exercise classes incorporate balance training. Build balance by standing on leg and alternating with the other.
- Playing a game keeps cognitive skills healthy. Puzzles, including online trivia games, crossword puzzles, Sudoku, or charades, enhance brain power.
- Eye health remains a key part of aging actively. The Journal of the American Medical Association (2006) reports that almost all the vision impairment in a large group of people over age 60 could be improved with corrective lenses.Visit an eye doctor for optimum eye health.
- A person's diet determines health. Consume fruits and vegetables. A Mediterranean diet lowers body weight and cholesterol levels. This style of diet pushes consuming fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole cereals, along with small servings of fish and moderate alcohol intake. Dairy and meat products are limited.
- Spending time with family and friends builds a strong support network and prevents loneliness. Plus, quality time with friends or family provides an additional source of activity, whether you partake in intellectual endeavors, physical activities, or volunteer pursuits.
- Active aging can be enhanced with laughter. Laughing increases circulation and immune system defenses. Humorous reading material or comedy shows boost the laugh factor.
- And finally, active aging requires adequate sleep. Seven to eight hours of sleep each night increases healthy feelings. The National Institute on Aging asserts that insomnia affects almost half of adults 60 years and older, making it the most common sleep disorder. Setting a regular bedtime schedule and establishing a nightly routine can improve sleep habits.
Increasing levels of physical activity, social interactions and intellectual engagement will increase one's health and happiness during the aging process.
The copyright of the article Aging Actively in Fitness is owned by LuAnn Schindler. Permission to republish Aging Actively in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
