Age Is Just A Number…

Have you ever heard an older person or maybe it’s something you say yourself….”I’m too old for that.” The fact remains age is just a number and it’s never too late to start an exercise programme or become more active.

What will you get out of it? Increase your chances of living longer by decreasing your risk of illness and also increase the quality of your life.

As people age they see a decline in fitness levels, strength, flexibility and bone density many believing it’s the aging process and it’s what should happen but have you ever heard of the term “if you don’t use it you lose it”. This is reason many are lacking in the physical department because they are not as active as they were before. Some have trouble unscrewing food jars, others climbing stairs and lifting shopping. These things can be improved and overcome by increase in exercise levels.

These are some of the benefits for the older person:

• Improved condition of the heart and lungs
• Improved self care abilities: climbing stairs, standing up from chairs without help, preventing falling etc
• Increased bone strength
• Promote Relaxation
• Relieve anxiety, insomnia, and mild depression
• Maintain or improve flexibility, coordination and balance.
• Improve the function of the joints.

Any new regime started by anyone not only the older adult should be started off gradually and built up from there. If any medical issues present it’s a good idea to consult with your doctor first to receive clearance as to your suitability for exercise. This shouldn’t be thought of as a deterrent as there’s usually always something you can do!

Is this you?

• The older person – Do you have relatives, neighbours who are “helping” you with the odd job around the house, garden. Do you feel you can do some or most of it yourself?  So why not try and do that little bit extra, you may surprise yourself as to what you can manage. Obviously it great to have people around you that care to want to help you but making sure you still have the control as to what you can do yourself. The more inactive you become the less you want to do or think you can do.
• The Relative or the Neighbour – Are you helping out someone at the moment with things they could possible do themselves? If there is a slight chance they could take over anything you are doing for them giving them the chance to become more active. Ask yourself this question……Did they ask for my help or did I start doing more assuming they couldn’t manage; as they are getting older after all?

Even the smallest change can make a big difference, make that change today! Keep us up to date to hold yourself accountable… drop us a message on Facebook!