When I started taking fitness classes, my first two clients were both 50-year-old. Still going strong, their example of enthusiasm and dedication can be a source of inspiration to any 50-plus looking for it. They clearly believed in the adage that it's never too late to start.
Fifty years ago, exercise did not hold the same meaning as it does today. Was there a need to exercise as much then as it is now? From the stories told by the elderly, life wasn't so cushy then as it is now. Yet somewhere down the line, as life has become more sedentary, exercising to keep up the same levels of activity has become the need for the day, irrespective of what age bracket you fall in.
Modern day city living places great demands on all of us these days and this does not spare even the elderly. Even if they are heading towards retirement or not burning the home-fires as much as they did, these twilight years need to be cherished with fond memories and in good health.
As one grows older, the activity levels are not the same as they used to be. The less the body is used, the less likely it is going to perform efficiently. The body has a certain capacity that allows it to go to great lengths to adapt. When this capacity is not fully utilized, the body slows down and does not function to the fullest. Thus as one grows older, the need to be active grows higher and higher.
Here are some reasons why those in the 50-plus bracket must stay active:
Use it or lose it
The heart is a muscle and just like any other muscle, needs to be constantly worked on to improve its efficiency. The muscles in the body need to be consistently strengthened to delay atrophy and reduce injury. Similarly, the joints need to be frequently lubricated to remain flexible and the nerves need to be stimulated repeatedly to stay alert. Exercise can do all of this and much more.
Keep the brain ticking
Research has enough evidence to show that exercise enhances the mental capacities. It stimulates the mind, quickens reaction time and the increase in oxygenated blood to the brain ensures slowing down of the ageing process.
Psychological Effects
Exercise is known to have a positive effect on moods, behavior, self-esteem and body image. As we grow older, these are the areas, which if strong and positive, will hold us in good stead.
Fight osteoporosis
The ageing process brings about a fall in calcium that leads to the weakening of the bones, bringing about problems like arthritis, osteoporosis, and osteo-arthritis. Any weight bearing exercise will delay this process and make the bones stronger and less resistant to these ailments. Especially with women who have reached their menopause, exercise is highly beneficial and recommended by most doctors.
Fight gravity
The skin and muscles sag as a result of lack of use. But exercise corrects this in all ways. The muscles get taut with use during exercise thus tightening the skin around it.
Build immunity
It is a well-known fact that as we age, our immunity levels reduce, leaving us open to all kinds of illness that can be debilitating. Any exercise can boost our immunity system and fortify the body to fight illnesses off successfully.
Strengthen breathing capacity
The process of airway passages getting ineffectual is almost reversed during exercise, reducing the risk of breathing ailments like asthma, sinusitis etc.
Something to look forward to
Exercising regularly can give you a mission to accomplish, once your life's goals are met. It gives a sense of purpose and achievement as well as a meaning to life in the twilight years. It also provides a platform for a meeting ground where common visions can be shared with others.
What kind of exercises
You may find that starting a vigorous program may be difficult, but the good news is that you don't really have to. If you have already been exercising a fair bit, continuing it may not be a problem. But here a few options for those just starting out.
Walking is the best way to start a program. It is easy to follow through and endure because you can set the pace for yourself. All you need is a good pair of shoes and comfortable clothing. Choose a soft surface to walk on like a mud track to reduce the risk of hurting yourself. Take your partner with you and catch up on all the years you didn't have time to!
Yoga is another very popular method of keeping you in the spring of things. It is highly beneficial as it involves each aspect of your persona: mind, body, spirit and soul. It can rejuvenate like no other program can and is equally suitable for older people and the young.
Practices like Tai chi (an ancient Chinese martial art form, involving slow, circular and flowing movement) Falun Gong (another ancient Chinese practice involving the mind and body), Pilates, Alexandra and Feldenkrais are regaining in popularity in the modern world for the positive effects they have. (The latter three are basically simple mind and body works or exercises that followers believe lead to a feeling of oneness, connectedness and quiet.) They do not require very strenuous efforts and, like yoga, they also involve more than just the body to work. They improve balance and coordination, and are believed to bring about a certain calm and serenity.
So go dare all and get a move on, if you haven't already. Make the twilight years of your life fit and fun. It will be well worth every moment!
No comments:
Post a Comment