Promises of more frequent exercising and keeping fit are great ways to herald in the new year, even if some people tend to be flaky with their resolutions. But while such resolutions are very often made by the younger crowd, they are not so popular among the older people. Many would endeavour to avoid a date with the doctor, but without sufficient exercise, such a resolution would be difficult to keep.
“Exercise? At my age? Aiyah… exercise is for young people like you. Old bones like mine will fall apart!” said my 63-year-old neighbour when the topic of regular exercise came up in our conversation.
Actually, not moving is exactly what contributes to ‘old bones falling apart’. When your body gets used to a sedentary lifestyle, moving becomes an awkward task. This leads to poorer ability to maintain good balance and coordination, which can increase the occurrences of injuries and fractures through bumps and falls. Immobility also causes joints to stiffen and face resistance and aches when moved.
Many age-related mobility problems can be prevented if you keep yourself strong, energetic and fit through exercise. It is never too late to start exercising. Regardless of your age and physical condition, there are appropriate types of exercise that will reap benefits for your health.
Tangible benefits for exercise in old age:
– Maintain or lose weight, preventing chronic diseases, high cholesterol and diabetes
– Reduce the frequency and impact of illnesses by improving the immune system.
– Improve mobility, flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of falls.
– Improve quality of sleep by helping you to fall asleep more quickly and deeply.
– Reduce sadness and depression, through the production of endorphins during exercise that keeps your mood up.
– Keep your brain active, thus preventing or reducing the progression of memory loss, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Effective exercise is not limited to strenuous exercise or intensive workouts in the gym. Even walking around your estate for 10 minutes a day can do wonders to your health. The elderly fitness corners in the estate are perfect for senior citizens as they have equipment tailored to meet the health needs and dexterity of most mobile senior citizens.
If you have not exercised in a long while, or have a health condition, do seek your doctor’s advice and find out what sort of activities you should avoid. Do not be impatient. Start slow with less strenuous activities at lowered frequencies, picking up pace only when you feel up to it.
Listen to your body and stop if you feel unwell. Exercise should not hurt you or make you feel uncomfortable. If you experience chest pain or pressure, find yourself trying to catch your breath, feel dizzy or experience any form of discomfort, stop exercising immediately and go to the doctor if the problem persists. Of course, such problems tend to occur only when you’re pushing yourself too hard, so don’t forget to get the doctor’s clearance and to go easy on yourself.
Keep water at hand, as you will need to replenish water loss and cool down after perspiring.
Free of charge and adverse reactions, exercise helps you to maintain good health and age with dignity. Don’t pass up this wonderful freebie!
The original version of this article was written in August for a newsletter.
