The Fountain of Youth Found – It’s Exercise!

Imagine life when you are 80. Do you see yourself sitting in a chair, watching television or doing a crossword puzzle? Or do you picture yourself outside, enjoying the day…gardening or playing golf?

The fact is, many Americans now live well into their 80’s and beyond. Gone are the days when old age automatically means inactivity. Of course there are people who have health complications that prohibit vigorous exercise, but the vast majority of us can continue exercising to ensure we remain active for years to come.

Take my dad for example. He is 75-years-old, and for the most part, he still moves like a 40-year-old. He mows his lawn with vigor, and he walks mile after mile in the cornfields of Midwest, searching for arrowheads. Many could argue that he has been blessed with good genes, but his sister died young from congestive heart failure. So what is his secret? Daily exercise!

Men and women of any age benefit from exercise. Think of the simple science behind movement – a body in motion tends to stay in motion. If you keep moving, your body will thrive on being active. If you make the choice to give up on exercise, your body will want to stay still.

There is good news. Even if you haven’t exercised in a while, you can slowly re-train your body to be accustomed to moving. There are several programs available to help middle-aged and older Americans get back into the exercise habit. These programs are easy to find. You can contact your local senior center, the local Y, your county health department, or the gym around the corner, but please make sure to check with your doctor before you begin any new exercise regimen.

Besides helping you move easily, there are other benefits of exercise. Studies show that people who engage in some form of regular exercise experience an increase in positive feelings. As with a “runner’s high,” most forms of exercise release feel good chemicals into the body, and even people with mild arthritis are encouraged to keep moving, as they can actually lessen the pain associated with the disease.

Another benefit of regular exercise is that it decreases the chance of unintentional falls. One of the major reasons why older adults fall is that they lose their balance. No one wants to end up in the hospital with a fractured hip or similar debilitating injury, so exercises, including balance exercises, can help prevent that from happening.

Of course, most people want to maintain their current weight or even lose a few pounds. Exercise, when combined with eating nutritious foods, can help you accomplish this task. In essence, exercise can help us feel attractive at any age.

Because I have worked for 19 years in the health field, I do realize that each person is an individual, one with both strengths and weaknesses. No, not everyone will still be able to jog at 75-years-old like my dad does, but each individual can work to improve the capabilities they do have. There are many inspiring examples of Americans who continue to thrive while living with Multiple Sclerosis, Diabetes, and even COPD. The key is to maximize your strengths.

Imagine again what you will be like at 80, or even 90-years-old. Are you doing the things you love, from shopping at the mall to playing tennis? I hope so! To accomplish this dream you must take the time to exercise. Truly believe that doing so allows entrance into an attainable fountain of youth.

Three Keys to Getting Moving:

1. Check with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
2. Find a form of exercise that you enjoy (and one that your doctor approves). Square dancing, playing Wii games, and even playing tag with grandchildren are all ways to exercise while having fun. Be creative!
3. Be gentle with yourself. Making exercise a habit can take several weeks. Don’t beat yourself up over setbacks. The key is to move!

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