Getting older may mean you’re gaining wisdom, spending time with your family, and enjoying your life by doing what you want to do. It may also mean that you are finding it challenging to stay fit as you age.
Staying in shape and taking care of yourself as you get older may help you to maintain your health and overall well-being. Here are some tips I want to share with you that helped my grandmother stay fit and active when I was taking care of her.
Exercise Regularly
We’ve all heard how important regular exercise is, but what does that look like? For some people, regular exercise means going to the gym every day, and for others, it means walking around the neighborhood or working in the garden.
To determine what is right for you, talk with your doctor before starting any exercise plan.
While some people have no physical limitations, others struggle with mobility. If you have problems with mobility and overall bodily functionality, there are plenty of chair exercises to try.
My grandmother enjoyed staying as active as possible, but eventually, she started her struggling journey with mobility, but she loved doing chair exercises since they were so simple to perform and actually provided a great workout routine.
Some of these exercises are done with small dumbbells or exercise bands, and they can be a great way for people to exercise even when getting around may be a challenge.
Cardio Exercise
Engaging in cardio or aerobic activity may increase your endurance, improve your cardiovascular health, and boost your metabolism.
Walking is one of the most common types of cardiovascular exercise. You can do it indoors or outdoors, and the only equipment you need is a pair of shoes.
According to the American Heart Association College of Sports Medicine, able-bodied adults should walk for at least 30 minutes a day for five days a week to promote a healthy cardiovascular system.
Other types of cardio activities include jogging or running, using a stationary bike or elliptical machine, dancing, and playing tennis.
Weight-Bearing Exercise
Weight-bearing exercise helps improve strength, flexibility, and balance. It may also help maintain bone density, which is a concern for many women as they age and are more susceptible to osteoporosis.
Weight-bearing exercises include body-weight exercises, such as squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks for the core, as well as using free weights, kettlebells, or weight machines.
Exercises, such as yoga or tai chi may also greatly improve your strength and flexibility as you get older.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
You probably know the importance of eating a healthy diet, but sometimes it’s tempting to choose foods that are quick or convenient rather than healthy.
It’s important to make sure you eat a variety of foods and watch your portion sizes to help you maintain a healthy weight. If you want to lose a few pounds, make sure you check with your doctor before starting any diet plan.
Keep Up On Your Check-Ups
Whether you are feeling great or experiencing medical issues, it’s important to see your doctor for regular check-ups. Your doctor may be able to help you prevent potential medical problems as well as treat existing ones.
Sometimes making minor changes in medications or diet may be all that’s needed to improve your situation.
Take Care Of Your Mental Health
Staying mentally healthy is an important part of your overall fitness. If you are depressed or stressed out, your physical health may suffer. To help balance your mind-body connection, try to spend time doing things that make you happy.
And if you feel like your mental health needs tending to, you may want to see a therapist.
Stay Socially Active
Keeping an active social life may do wonders for staying healthy and improving your quality of life. Meeting with friends for lunch, spending time with your family, or going to church services may do a lot to improve your mood.
You can find much more information on living a holistic lifestyle in these free magazines and on our YouTube channel.
Take Time to Relax
While it’s important to stay physically and mentally active, it’s just as crucial to take time to relax. Taking time to relax and unwind may boost your mood and improve the quality of your sleep.
Something as simple as sitting down with a good book and a cup of tea can do wonders for your stress level. Many people find that daily meditation helps them eliminate much of their stress and improve their well-being.
Staying active, getting adequate exercise, watching your diet, and monitoring your physical and mental health are all important parts of staying physically and mentally fit as you age.
Keep fit as you get older by taking care of your body and mind to ensure that you are healthy and can enjoy your life.
