My body aches.Yet my mantra seems to be “do it anyway.” When it comes to senior fitness, it’s not easy. Here’s why I spend time exercising and suggest all old folks do too.
First, here’s my BMW (bitching, moaning, and whining). Often it’s a chore to stand. After sitting for a short time it takes almost a minute to stand up straight. And get this… I’m at the gym six days a week for two to three hours per day.
I have congestive heart disease, spinal stenosis, edema and knees that should’ve been replaced years ago. My endurance and balance aren’t what they used to be; however, I manage to get off the couch every morning and walk or ride my bike to the gym and do an hour of resistance training, an hour of cardio exercise and one-half hour of stretching and sit-ups.
Why do I push my body to the limits? Because all this exercise extends longevity and prevents bone and muscle loss. A recent Swedish study found that physical activity was the number one contributor to longevity, adding extra years to your life—even if you don’t start exercising until your senior years.
Some days I simply don’t want to leave my cozy home and wander into that drab and dusty gym. But I do and when I’m done I feel rejuvenated and energized for the remainder of the day. Even though I have just spent between two to three hours pushing my body to its limits, I depart the gym with so much vitality that I usually accomplish much more that day then if I had remained home and spent time on the computer, phone or watching TV.
The Rewards of Senior Fitness
Some of the other benefits are that I’ve lost weight, I’ve lowered the impact of illness and chronic diseases, my mobility, flexibility and balance have improved, and my mood and self-confidence have skyrocketed.
Like many of you I have experienced my share of stumbles and falls. So many of us die from the actual tumble or from the complications of our injuries. When I fall I get up with superficial cuts and bruises and go on my way… and trust me at 78 years I’ve had some rough tumbles.
I have no expectations that any of you should start tomorrow with two hours in the gym—that’s insane. But like any journey the first step is the most important. Unless you’re on your deathbed there’s absolutely no reason why you can push yourself away from the TV or your card game and take the first step.
Your first step might be to walk regularly with a goal of increasing the distance and decreasing your time in say one year. For others your first step might be to join a gym. For me my first step was to consult my personal care physician.
Going Out in Style…
For my wife it was to buy some good looking workout clothes and athletic shoes. Once she completed her shopping she had no excuses left and a good deal of style motivation to begin her life of exercise and fitness.
Did I say LIFE? Yes, you don’t just get fit and say, “Okay, I’m fit now, I’m done.” Nope, for us Old Folks this is a lifetime commitment. Getting and remaining fit has one more vital benefit:
It can help brain functions as diverse as multitasking and creativity and can help prevent memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia. Getting active may even help slow the progression of brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.
I do recommend visiting your general practitioner or healthcare professional first and also reading our book, Senior War on Aging. In the book you will overcome objections, find step-by-step methods of getting started and even more important, how to maintain your healthy lifestyle.
The term Old Folks seems pejorative in today’s world where we can live longer, healthier and look better every year!
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