Importance Of Staying Physically Fit As You Age

By Timothy Barber, CEO/President

Barber D.M.E. Supply Group

. http://www.barberdmestore.com/

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Importance Of Staying Physically Fit As You Age

As you enter your senior years the expectation is that things will change somewhat, but this should not be considered a rite of passage into a sedentary lifestyle, which can rob you of your independence and lead to a wide array of health issues. It's at this time in your life that you understand the importance of maintaining a regular exercise routine.

One study, funded by the National Institute on Aging and conducted by researchers at four universities, found that moderate aerobic exercise increased the size of the hippocampus (a part of the brain that plays a role in memory) and improved spatial memory.

While it's not expected that you do the same level of exercise you were able to do years ago, it's understood that individual adjustments to your routine will need to be made. Many seniors are still able to enjoy activities like jogging, bicycling, swimming, dancing, tennis, and regular walks. These types of activities are beneficial to your overall health and are key factors in maintaining your mobility as you age.

One of the easiest forms of exercise is daily walks of at least 30 minutes per day. This form of aerobic activity helps in getting your heart rate up, and in many cases benefits your entire body and aids in the performance of your everyday activities.

Should walking prove to be your exercise of choice, you need to ensure that balance is not an issue. If this is an area of concern you should look into using a treadmill indoors, or the use of a cane, walker, or rollator for outdoor use.

The most important factor to take into consideration prior to entering into any fitness routine is to speak with your primary physician to ensure there are no health restrictions, which would prevent you from taking part in regular physical activity. Once given the green light, other key factors should include

Paying attention to your body never exceed your limitations

Know your surroundings

Warm up and cool down prior to and after any exercise

Drink plenty of fluids stay hydrated

Be mindful of the weather avoid extreme heat and cold

Use proper equipment

Change your activity if your health warrants it

Always remember that staying fit is a vital element to staying healthy.