Senior Fitness: Do You Need To Jump on The "Growing Old" Bandwagon?

It is a sound idea to remodel your house or move into a facility that has all of the latest universal design features, but I loved the article written by J. James Cotter (Richmond Times-Dispatch. Richmond, VA.: February 12, 2010) talking about the “growing old band wagon.”

 

Mr. Cotter talks about not being so quick to jump on the “growing old band wagon”, and I thought he made a lot of sense.  Yes, the principles of universal design benefit everyone no matter what their age, but he refuted the idea that it is for everyone.  He disparages the idea that older people should be thinking of themselves as being frail or disabled.

 

He feels that that we should all be getting down on bended knee (in more ways than one) as we grow older.  We should be doing more stretching and reaching.  He feels that we should not all have to adapt our homes to accommodate our lack of fitness, flexibility and strength, but rather should be working on keeping ourselves in shape in order to live independently.

 

He goes on to say that the majority of older people have no serious chronic conditions other than some arthritis.  He feels, and I agree to a certain point, that we should not have to redesign our environment until after we have tried redesigning our lifestyle.  Lifestyle changes should include all types of exercise (yoga, walking, weight training, etc.) that will help you retain your ability to stand on a stool, navigate stairs or get down on bended knee, no matter what your age.

Can fitness possibly be enough?

Comments

[Anne Burnell]

No, Fitness is not enough, but is an important habit that needs to be cultivated in all people.

Dietary and spiritual programs should be part of everyday life.

Anne Burnell