Should You Exercise When You Are "feeling your age?"

 

 

If anyone were to ask you what was the single most important thing that you could do to improve the quality of your life, reduce the risk of serious illness and improving your life expectancy, what would it be?

 

You already know the answer to that one.  I am sorry that it doesn’t come in a bottle and requires a little work on your part, but exercise is still the magic formula.  Would you believe that 80% of Americans get little or no exercise?  Look around.  Ask the people at your office, the people in your church group, and the people in your neighborhood.  You could probably count on one hand the people that you know who are actively involved in an exercise program.

 

Studies show that it is lack of exercise, rather than diet, that is responsible the increase in obesity in our society.  So, the reason that we are getting fat is not because we are eating more, but because we are exercising less. 

 

Everyone is in a hurry so the idea that even 10 minutes of exercise several times a day can keep you up to speed is welcome news. Unfortunately, like it or not, a leisurely stroll is not enough to give you the cardiac and strengthening benefits that you need.  It is generally thought that a little exercise is better than none, and perhaps this is true, but to do more is definitely better.  The benefits of exercise are so dramatic that there should be no excuse not to do it.

 

You already know about muscle lose and bone loss.  We also know that you cannot turn 80 year old bones and muscles into the frame of a teenage athlete, but you can make what you have stronger.  As you get older the risk of physical disability and dependence increases but exercise can give you a fighting chance. You would be crazy not to do something about it.

 

When your back hurts, your knees creak, and your energy level has hit rock bottom the idea of vigorous exercise is a little scary.  Well, be assured.  Older people are not going to break if they exercise.  In fact, older adults stand to gain even more from vigorous exercise than younger folks.

 

Dr.  Lipschitz, M.D., PhD in his book “Breaking the Rules of Aging,” simply says start easy, do as much as you can, and then push yourself to do more.  More is better.  If you push yourself a little harder, your strength and endurance will increase faster than you could ever imagine.  The Baby Boomers seem to have the right idea so hopefully the next generation will be more agreeable to pushing themselves. Senior gym memberships are up all over the country and we can only hope that this trend continues to grow.

 

You are not too busy, too sick, too tired, in too much pain, or too old to exercise.  Older adults who exercise feel better, live long, and have fewer physical problems.  See your doctor, recruit a friend (or join a club if your friends are naysayers), keep at it!