• Home
  • Archive
  • South
• Current Issues
  • South
  • Central
  • Zachary
  • South
  • zachary_july_aug10
• Archive
  • Search
  • Central
  • Zachary
  • South BR
  • Southeast BR
• Resources/Guides
• Advertise
  • Request Media Kit
• About Us
• Job Opportunities
• Contact Us
• Contests
• Blog Spot
• Photo Gallery
• Subscription Info
• The Buzz

Young at Heart: Keeping Seniors Fit

 

By: John A. Stassi II, President & CEO

CommCare Corporation

 

Most senior citizens claim they are young at heart. Combine that with energy and physical health and they can do just about anything. Since the holidays are over, that means its time for you to start pursuing your New Year’s resolution goal – join a gym, eat better, take more time for yourself.

 

There are simple steps seniors can take now help minimize the amount of work they have to do to get great results.

 

Don’t think joining a gym is worth it? Can’t keep up with the younger crowds who line the treadmill, elliptical machines, kick box and even worse voluntarily sign up for boot camp? There are things seniors can do as they age, to make sure they remain young at heart, mind and body.

 

Consider making some of these simple changes:

 

Health & Wellness

-Keep yourself hydrated by drinking plenty of water

-Eat healthy by cutting out more saturated fats

-Take a daily multi-vitamin, especially one engineered for seniors

-Monitor heart rate, blood pressure and cholesterol levels

 

Exercise

-Consider joining the local YMCA or health club (one with a community focus)

-Go for walks around the neighborhood when the weather is nice

-Join a walking club with friends or neighbors

-Join a mall walkers group – rain or shine, they will be there

-Consider signing up for a senior aerobics class or purchasing a senior aerobics DVD.

-Aerobics programs can help strengthen muscles, lose weight, keep the heart healthy, promote well-being and relieve depression

-Consider water/pool aerobics which can be easier on joints

-Consider resistance training even if it is just one day a week – it can help maintain strength and avoid injury

-Children’s toys and soft clay like products or soft balls made for children can be squeezed to help strengthen hands

-Games such as Scrabble or card games can help stimulate the mind

 

As senior citizens age, they become less active mostly due to lower energy levels and because their muscles are not as strong. Thus, continuing or starting to exercise will increase energy levels and strengthen muscles, making injury, falls and fractures less likely and severe. Exercise can also improve blood circulation and balance.

 

Aside from the physical benefits of exercise, seniors can also lessen their chance of depression as endorphins are released during exercise routines. Endorphins are natural mood enhancers that can help decrease the chance of depression.

 

Of course, you will want to consult with your physician before participating in a rigorous exercise program.

 

Thus, exercise can benefit the mind, body and soul. Making seniors more healthy and happy, it is definitely something to put on the to do list – only do it today. There is no need to put off exercising – now is the perfect time to find the New You!

 

For more information, visit the American Senior Fitness Association at www.seniorfitness.net.  

 

CommCare Corporation, founded in 1994, is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization which operates skilled nursing facilities and community mental health centers. For more information, please visit www.commcare.com or call (504) 324-8950.