I reject the notion that growing older means becoming idle. I’ve already made a case for taking the opposite approach by citing the positive effects you can expect physically and emotionally later in life, but many of us reach a certain age and begin to wonder what we can do to stay active. This is especially true once a person retires and is no longer filling 40 to 80 hours per week in a professional pursuit.
Today I want to offer a list of things you can do to keep your body in motion as long as you are able.
- Get in the water and swim laps. Swimming is low impact so it’s great on the joints and it can have a dramatic impact on your physical being.
- Take walks with your dog, your spouse, or alone to clear your head. A daily stroll will get you outside and provide some great cardiovascular exercise.
- Join a senior yoga or pilates class. Most cities have options for this type of activity for seniors, and you will be amazed at how relaxed you can feel after taking them.
- Throw the ball around with your grandchild, a neighborhood kid, or even your pet. You will do a fair share of walking and tossing in as little as 15 minutes a day.
- Get into hiking! Hiking can be as strenuous as you want it to be. Pick trails carefully so you don’t get in over your head before you are ready.
- Get out those golf clubs and practice your swing! You can get a healthy dose of exercise in a round of 9 or 18 holes at the course, or ramp up your swing and heart rate hitting balls at the range.
- Get your buddies together and start a bowling team. This will give your rolling arm a workout and allow you some time to talk and socialize with friends.
- Join a gym! A variety of machines and classes are available at most gyms so you can dabble in a mix of things. With most gyms, you will also have the bonus of gaining access to a steam room, a hot tub, and a pool.
- Set up some weights or a stationary bike in your home. Pedal away during the evening news or hit the weights each morning. The convenience of working out at home can’t be beat, especially on rainy, cold, or very hot days when you may not want to get out in the elements.
- Get into gardening! Growing your own vegetables, herbs, and fruits is a wonderful way to stay healthy. The act of tending the garden is almost as good for you as eating the food you will grow. No green thumb? Try maintaining your own lawn and flowerbeds instead.
With such a variety of ways to stay active and healthy there is no reason you can’t age actively and reap the physical and emotional benefits of doing so. In me next blog post I’ll offer some ways to stay mentally active!
-Dr. Erica Miller