Just What The Doctor Ordered: Exercise

Does the idea of lacing up your sneakers and heading on out to the gym or to an exercise class send a chill down your spine? Consider this: physicians have long known that simply getting up and moving around – even a little bit – can address many a health issue.

As we age, it gets harder to get up and move around like we did when we were younger, but as we age it is even more important that we do just that. Moving will help with balance issues, weight loss, mental acuity and just general overall good health. In some cases, exercise can be as effective as medications. Consider too, that losing weight might mean you could stop taking some of the medications that you’re on – not without your doctor’s okay, though – because weight loss could help with arthritis pain, diabetes and even high blood pressure or heart issues.

What can you do to get up and get moving? Here are a few suggestions:

• Take a walk! If you are healthy enough, take a walk around your neighborhood. If you are concerned with suffering a health emergency while on a walk, check into LifeFone’s Mobile Alert app. The app follows you wherever you go and provides peace of mind that you can get help if needed.
• Take a seniors yoga class. Yoga incorporates slow, gentle movements that help with balance and grace. Yoga can help with flexibility and stretching.
• Swimming is great for those suffering arthritis because it allows you to exercise in a no impact setting. Swimming could also take away some of the aches and pains in your joints.
• Gardening may not seem like it’s offering many benefits, but with gardening, chances are you are bending and stretching and even using a hoe or other garden tool and these movements can help with flexibility.
• Clean the house! Yes, running a vacuum, washing the laundry or windows are ways to get some movement in during the day, regardless of the weather. Stretching and bending to clean shelves will also help with flexibility. Don’t climb on a ladder or a chair, to reach and stretch if you have balance issues as that could lead to a fall.

Talk with your doctor before you begin any kind of exercise routine so he can let you know whether you are healthy enough. He may also offer tips on the best way to begin a workout routine and what exercises are best for your current state of health.

Individuals who are determined to age in place understand the importance of living a healthy life and that includes eating well and getting exercise.