Tips for Active Aging

You’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times, now is the time to get active! As seniors, it is important that we do all we can to take care of ourselves. Exercise is a great way to manage stress, improve your mood and even prevent or delay disease. And it can be fun! Here are some tips from the National Institutes of Health. Read below and visit their website for more information on active aging!Keep it SafeSafety should always be your number one priority when it comes to being active. Most simple physical activity should be fine for all seniors, but never hesitate to ask your doctor before getting started. If you have any preexisting conditions or have recently had surgery, check with your doctor to see what type of activity would be best for you.If it has been awhile since you last exercised, you might experience soreness or discomfort when you get back into the swing of things. Don’t be alarmed. Go easy on yourself and gradually prepare your body for additional exercise. If you feel sick to your stomach or have considerable pain, stop exercising and contact your doctor immediately. Better to be safe than sorry!Keep it SimpleCommitting to everyday exercise can be tough, that’s why it’s important to keep it simple. If it’s inconvenient or exceedingly difficult, it may be tough to keep up with the regimen. Make exercise a part of your daily routine. Put those weights next your TV chair and do some lifting during the commercial breaks, add an extra lap from the mailbox to the front door, or walk every aisle at the grocery store. Keep it simple.Prefer to exercise just once a day? Consider joining a gym or fitness center in your community. Look into classes that are targeted for seniors and don’t forget to check with your Medicare health plan to see if gym memberships or fitness programs are part of the extra coverage they offer.Keep it SocialGetting active, just like other things in life, is best when it’s done with others. Invite your friends or family members to go on a walk around the neighborhood or check out a local nature trail. Everyone—young and old—can benefit from embracing an active lifestyle. Get a group together to go to a local gym or start a daily fitness challenge with your spouse. There’s nothing like accountability to keep you active.Keep it Up!Once you’ve started, don’t give up. Remember, the first few days will be the hardest, it only gets easier from there. Diversify your exercise often so you don’t get bored and never stop looking for ways to get active in your everyday life!