Are you starting to experience mobility issues or know someone who is? Are you getting 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week? Approximately, 17% of seniors’ ages 65+ are physically not able to walk even one-quarter of a mile, while another 28% struggle to complete the same distance.
For those that may experience difficulty with mobility, stamina and/or balance, there is hope!
The answer is in starting a routine exercise program. Research shows that the benefits of physical activity range from, but are not limited to, reduced risk of heart disease, diabetes, depression, cognitive impairment and depression!
How much exercise should you get? According to the National Institute of Health they recommend 150 minutes of weekly moderate physical activity, however you should always talk to a medical professional prior to starting an exercise regimen.
The idea of starting an exercise program may seem foreign or out of the realm of possibility for some, but there are numerous programs designed to help the aging community take their first steps, literally.
Numerous activities and classes can be found at local senior centers and YMCA’s. They offer a wide range of programs that are available for all fitness levels. A few of these classes include water aerobics, yoga, stretching and walking clubs.
The facts speak for themselves; people who eat healthy, maintain a normal weight and are physically active spend less time being disabled at the end of their lives and tend to live longer.
It is never too late to start moving. Don’t focus on the word “exercise”, instead think of it as a transformation to a more physically active state. Start small with a short walk, light stretching and gradually increase your activity duration and/or intensity as your stamina increases.
In summary if you aren’t familiar with Newton’s Law it states, “An object at rest stays at rest and an object in motion stays in motion with the same speed and in the same direction unless acted upon by an unbalanced force.” This philosophy can be said for our own mobility as we age. Don’t become sedentary; keep moving!