As important as fitness is to everyone, it is even more important for those who are in their senior years. While running in a marathon or participating in a triathlon may no longer be an option, seniors can take numerous actions to ensure they will remain physically fit well past the age of retirement. Research has shown that many of the physical changes and chronic ailments previously thought to be rights of passage have now been associated with a lack of physical activity. Researchers now believe that exercise can ease the effects of chronic disease and prevent the development of a variety of conditions. Seniors Helping Seniors can help you in a variety of ways if you have decided to implement fitness into your daily life.
If you have decided you want to incorporate a fitness program into your life, there are a few things to think about. Your first step is to contact your doctor. Let him or her know what your plans are. If you have not yet decided on a specific plan, he may be able to offer suggestions. He will also be able to determine at which fitness level your body currently is, and advise you as to whether you can handle a more intense program or whether you should take it easy. He may want you to complete a physical, depending on when you last visited. Make sure you leave yourself plenty of time to get clearance prior to scheduling an organized activity such as a fitness class or buddy workout.
Once you have clearance, consider some ways you can fit physical activity into your daily life. If you regularly meet friends for coffee a few mornings each week, park a few spaces further from the door than you usually would. During trips to the supermarket, take a few minutes to stroll around the store once your cart is full. Even an additional two laps around the periphery of the store will get your heart pumping. You can even work on muscle fitness while enjoying television shows. If you have a program you watch on the daily or weekly basis, commit to doing a few leg lifts or light arm weights while you watch.
If you plan to choose a specific activity to help you with fitness, be sure to work gradually. Every bit of exercise is an improvement, so there is no need to rush into things and overdo it. This is especially important if you have decided to exercise in response to a diagnosis of a new condition or to combat the effects of a chronic condition. If you work too quickly and injure yourself, it will negatively impact your symptoms and discourage you from following through with future workouts.
Next, be sure to choose an activity you know you will enjoy. This is advice all new exercisers usually receive, but it is especially important for seniors. The idea should not be “no pain, no gain,” it should be “every little bit helps.” Perhaps there is something you have wanted to do for years. Well, now is the time to take advantage of your retirement time and follow through! Sometimes, a person may want to learn a physical activity, but he find he lacks the emotional support from friends and family. This is where Seniors Helping Seniors can help. If you are too timid to engage in a new activity, a helper can participate with you. If you are concerned that taking your morning walk alone may lead to injury, he can walk with you. This way, you feel safe and secure, and you can concentrate on the enjoyment you get from the activity.
Fitness is as important to seniors who have moved to nursing facilities and assisted living as it is to those living at home. If you find your caretakers are encouraging you to get out and move, you may need some additional motivation. If you find an activity you enjoy, like a dance class or walking around the mall, and your medical supervisors think it will be beneficial, Seniors Helping Seniors can help you get out and about, offering you the chance to have fun while getting fit. According to Ed Cotter of Seniors Helping Seniors Southwest, helpers can assist seniors both at home and in assisted living. “As long as the health provider OK’s the release…” seniors are allowed out and about with the assistance of a helper. If all you need is that extra boost to get you going, contact Seniors Helping Seniors. A commitment to fitness is one you will not regret.
