As we age, we often contemplate the meaning of various aspects of our lives. Our perception of success evolves as we transition through different life stages. With changing goals and desires, our strategies for a fulfilling life adapt accordingly. However, one constant throughout our journey is the significance of our health.
Health, which encompasses both mental and physical well-being, is characterized by freedom from illness or injury. As we age, prioritizing healthy aging becomes crucial in order to maintain not just physical mobility, but also independence. Several factors contribute to our desired state of being free from illness or injury, including age, lifestyle, genetics, habits, diet, and movement, among others. While certain factors like age, gender, or genetic makeup are beyond our control, there are lifestyle choices that we can modify, such as diet, exercise, stress management, sleep, and mindfulness.
Lifestyle essentially refers to the way we live our lives. It encompasses aspects such as managing stress levels, moderating alcohol consumption, quitting smoking, adopting regular exercise routines, maintaining proper sleep patterns, and incorporating meditation. While these lifestyle factors influence our overall well-being, we must acknowledge that our preferred lifestyle in our teenage or college years differs from the choices we make as we age. As an individual, my own requirements have changed, such as needing more sleep, increased water intake, and a reduction in dietary fat. Ultimately, embracing more health-conscious choices becomes paramount.
One such choice is movement. The benefits of exercise are incredible for both physical and mental well-being.
Some of the documented benefits include:
(1) Weight control
(2) Reduce risk of heart disease
(3) Help manage blood sugar and insulin levels
(4) Improve mood
(5) Improve thinking and clarity
(6) Strengthen bones and muscles
(7) Reduce risk of falls
(8) Improve your sleep
(9) Improve sexual health
Knowing exercise and movement can assist in improvement of so many aspects of our well-being. What are the best ways to exercise? How do we find a way to incorporate regular exercise into our lifestyle?
Start with your every-day activities!
Find a way to make what you do every day a bit more active. Take the stairs, park further away, wash your own car, and more.
Incorporate friends and family.
Find a workout group or partner. This makes the prospect of exercise social and fun!
Track your progress.
It is always nice to see results and tracking your progress will help you stay motivated.
Make exercise fun.
Listen to music or mix it up. Join a group class that makes having fun a priority.
Look for activities that fit your lifestyle.
When I was young, I loved the “hole in the wall” gyms with free weights, tons of mirrors and audible grunting to eek out that last rep. Now that I am older, I appreciate a clean environment without mirrors and equipment that helps me ensure I will maintain proper form and not injure myself.
Whichever choice in movement you make, chose something. This is the single most beneficial option for both your mental and physical well-being. As goals in life change, maintaining self-sufficiency rises to the top and a healthy lifestyle can influence that. Make it a goal to just MOVE!
Written by: Cyn Newsom
Cyn Newsom, RN, JD, has been in the health care field for over 30 years. She started out her career as an ICU nurse and moved into administration as a CEO for an LTACH. She currently serves as the Director of Telehealth at St. Luke’s Health System in Idaho.
Cyn is the mother of five and grandmother of six beautiful baby girls. She loves spending time with family and her four-legged friends. She also enjoys HGTV, doing home remodeling, and hiking the local trails.
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Exercise: 7 benefits of regular physical activity: CLICK HERE.
Source: Mayo ClinicHow Older Adults Can Get Started with Exercise: CLICK HERE
Source: National Institute on AgingMake Exercise Your Prescription for Healthy Living: CLICK HERE
Source: Smart Strategies for Successful LivingHealth & Wellness: CLICK HERE
Source: Smart Strategies for Successful Living