 |
Photo Credit:
123 Photos
|
Exercise is vital for good physical and mental health.
Healthy eating plus regular exercise is the winning formula for positive
well-being at any age. As we age and our bodies change, how we safely exercise
and the importance of what we eat to keep fit also changes.
May 31, 2017 is the 24th annual National Senior Health &
Fitness Day. According to the their official website, the common goal of this day
is "to help keep older Americans healthy and fit.” In honor of this
beneficial day, here are five things you can do year round to keep you fit as a
fiddle.
1) Getting Out and
About
 |
Photo Credit:
Fabrizio Verrecchia
|
A fun way to get your steps in is to join group outings.
Going to the museum, the zoo, flea markets, historical tours, or craft shows
are a few ways to get out and about, learn new things and be social. Walking is
a simple exercise that strengthens muscles, can stop bone mass loss, and
improves sleeping. Even if a person has mobility issues that keep them confined
to a wheelchair, one can still enjoy the new sights and change of scenery.
2) Yoga
 |
Photo Credit:
123 Photos
|
Yoga is for every body.
Many people erroneously think yoga is about turning people into human pretzels.
But that is not true. Yoga is a mind-body practice that strengthens and
stretches our bodies while connecting with our breath. There are numerous
postures, from beginner to advance, and ways to adjust the postures to suit
different individuals’ needs. One can even do yoga while sitting in a chair. There are gentle restorative yoga routines designed
specifically for seniors or for people with back problems.
3) Enjoy Your
Favorite Hobbies
 |
Photo Credit:
123 Photos
|
Oh, the simple joy of casting a fishing line on warm summer
day, watching the sun dance on the water and listening to the birds singing.
Gardening, fishing, birding, flying a kite - these are all great ways to move
around and have so much fun doing it, you will forget you are exercising as
well.
4) An Apple A Day…
 |
Photo Credit:
Peter Belch
|
As the old saying goes, “an apple a day keeps the doctor
away.” Health concerns such as diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers are
connected to poor weight, nutrition and not enough exercise. Healthy diets are
an important part of keeping one’s cholesterol, blood pressure and other
health-related numbers in the healthy zone.
5) Rome Wasn’t Built
In A Day
 |
Photo Credit:
123 Photos
|
Before embarking on any new fitness routine, talk to your
doctor to find out if there are any physical or health considerations to keep
in mind. Remember - Rome wasn’t built in a day. All new exercises should be
built up slowly and gradually. A great way to stick to your exercise routine is
to find a group of like-minded people to join you and help you stay motivated,
accountable and to share the joy of accomplishing goals with.
The Scottish Home is a unique senior living
community nestled in five quiet, park-like acres just a few miles west of
downtown Chicago, in North Riverside, Illinois. Our beautiful location is
filled with lovely outdoor spaces for people to go outside and enjoy the fresh
air! Come see for yourself.
No comments:
Post a Comment