If you can’t beat them, you might as well join them.
Snowshoeing, biking, kayaking – what’s with some of these older people nowadays? If they’re not out jogging in packs or cross-country skiing, they’re whipping along on their 27-speed hybrid comfort bikes or “Nordic walking” with those darned ski poles. Go to the community centre and they’re either playing pickleball, or in the pool taking part in some darned aqua-fit program. You can’t go anywhere without having to dodge some senior trying to keep in fit. I don’t get it. I get out of breath just trying to cut my lawn with a power mower.
What ever happened to growing old gracefully, with some dignity, doing things like reminiscing about the good old days or knitting slipper-socks? It seems like every time you turn around there is some new, keep-fit activity for seniors being advertised in the local newspapers, or being promoted by groups like the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association or Cancer Society. Yoga for seniors, dance classes, tai-chi. Where is it going to end?
The other day I read an article about some guy in his 90s who plays hockey several times a week. Mind you, I don’t know how fast-paced the games are because most of his teammates are in their 70s and 80s. My point is, more and more so-called older people are taking part in more and more activities and programs designed to keep them active, healthy and happy. It’s hard to keep up – no pun intended.
On the other hand, regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do for their health.
Exercise can help prevent many of the health problems that come with old age. Medical research has shown that, no matter what your age, you can gain significant improvement in strength, range of motion, balance, bone density and mental clarity through a routine of regular exercise. Studies have also shown that exercise can help reduce the risk of numerous diseases and health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, dementia and depression.
The goal of an exercise routine, especially in one’s later years, should be the same as for all those young people you see out trying to get ahead of the old fogies – strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance. Regular activity and exercise, combined with proper nutrition, cannot stop the clock but it can slow down the “natural aging” process. The trick to any exercise program, though, is to be not only realistic but also smart about it. A preventable injury can put an older person out of commission for a lot longer than when they were younger. No matter how old or young you are, proper form and technique are key to avoiding injury. Always avoid the temptation to overdo things in terms of both workout length and intensity.
Exercise can quite literally add years onto your life. Exercising increases your metabolism, which helps keep your weight and blood sugar in check, and certain types of exercise also help build and maintain your muscles, which in turn helps maintain balance, which helps to prevent falls.
Any form of exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming, biking, kayaking or anything else that increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time – even mowing the lawn and raking leaves – is good for your health.
And, while exercise can sometimes be a test of both strength and will, it should not seem a chore. The whole point of exercising should be about enjoying life rather than simply maintaining it. I guess if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them. Anyone want to go Nordic walking?
