Our bodies change as we age. They start showing signs of wear and tear. No matter how advanced medical science becomes, people will always have to deal with the adverse effects related to aging. The best part is there are things that an individual can follow to keep their body healthy and fit as they get older. By following healthy habits and positive lifestyle changes, anyone can ensure great health as they grow old.
Health, wealth, and relationships matter the most in life. People, generally, believe that wealth occupies the top slot for someone growing older with health being second. The prime reason is that the advancements in the healthcare industry have made it possible for people to stay healthy and fit longer than ever. However, ensure you stay healthy and fit to enjoy being active and keep the immune systems running at their best.
Staying Healthy and Fit As You Age
Staying healthy is an issue. Being old means you can work and sleep as much as you want. But, growing older comes with its own responsibility. It is best to stay active and work on increasing stamina and strength.
Just consider, it is not how long you have been alive that makes you old, it is the lack of positivity and activity as you age. Research shows that our sedentary lifestyles are harmful to our health. On the other hand, active people tend to enjoy life and grow old better with few health issues.
We all know about this fact but may think that it’s too late to get active or convince you to do it, that’s not true either. If you have any physical restrictions, it is best to consult a doctor and get physically active. You can enjoy adventure and sports as per your abilities. This is not something limited to gardening, light walking, or a casual stroll. It is about boosting your heart rate and pushing yourself a bit.
Five Ways To Stay Healthy and Fit As You Get Older
1. Hike
Hike or brisk walking helps people connect with nature, move around, interact with others while enjoying the incredible benefits of being outdoors. Older people generally opt for charity run/walk events with a lot more like Appalachian Trail. Most hikers enjoy a great sense of independence. Nature provides an escape from routine stress and boosts longer periods of activity than walking around in the neighborhood. Some other vital health benefits include better heart health, mobility, increased blood flow, reducing the risk of hospitalization.
2. Swim
When it comes to fitness and health, you just cannot overlook the significance swimming offers. Swimming tends to be one of the best physical activities when it comes to improving cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength. It is easy on the joints, improves bone density, increases flexibility, and boosts heart health. The CDC states that swimming along with other water-based activities are extremely effective and safe as an individual grows old.
A study indicates that older adults who swam were 33% less likely to fall, a major cause of injury in people above 60. This is only possible by performing workouts that boost strength and tone muscles to make an individual fit and strong.
3. Weight Lifting
If you think that ‘going to the gym’ or ‘weight lifting’ is only for the young, it is time for you to reconsider this form of workout and think about the incredible benefits that can be attained including stronger bones, muscles, better sleep, and improved confidence. Strength training helps relieve arthritis pain and lower elderly chances of a fall. Weight lifting programs can be personalized to fit an individual’s ability and age group. Strength training proves to be an effective and safest workout for growing adults. However, it is crucial to be cautious and not over-extend when started out. Use low weights and kettlebell workouts to avoid sore muscles.
4. Yoga
Yoga offers exceptional benefits for everyone. Taking some time out to move through different poses is worthwhile. It helps relieve stress and increases flexibility. You can practice yoga on your own with a video from YouTube or join a class. Yoga helps boost muscle strength, improves blood circulation, increases flexibility, and lowers stress levels.
5. Join A Sports Club and Stay healthy and fit
This could be a bit difficult for some. However, if you do not prefer working out on your own, you may opt for a sports club, which proves to be a ticket to being fit and strong. Sports clubs offer everything from softball or basketball. Whatever your sport of choice is, there is a great chance that you find others playing your favorite sports, join up and reap the incredible benefits of better health.
Staying fit and healthy is the key to enjoying older years. Many people after 40 consider they older and stop working on physical activities. Eating more, staying up late, and sitting on the couch are all they do. Most stop from getting enough physical activity and it isn’t long before they turn obese, flabby, and out of breath. It’s easier to not even worry about it!