My dad likes to say that getting old isn't for sissies. He should know, since he's 86 years old. As the baby boom generation heads into the latter portion of their lives, they are not taking this aging process lying down. Boomers are striving to stay active and in shape.
Baby boomers know that keeping active will enrich the quality of their lives and make the best of the extra years given to them by advancements in medicine. Not only will exercise keep the muscles toned and the cardio vascular system in top shape, studies show that it has a powerful effect on fighting dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
When selecting exercise programs or activities, mix up the routine to allow your body to rest and avoid repetitive motion injuries. Set your tennis racket aside and hop on a bike to add cycling to your assortment of exercises. Just remember to wear a helmet.
I bought a 300 page hardback book on how to become biologically younger in a year. The whole book could be summarized by one sentence: exercise, doing both aerobic and strength training and eating wholesome foods in moderation. It did have one of the best lines on aging that I have read, that you have to get older but you don't have to rot. Okay, I get it; aging bodies need exercise. To stay motivated, visualize yourself twenty years down the road as strong and vibrant but just a bit more wrinkled and grey, then contrast that with images of being frail and feeble. That second set of images proves to be very motivating.
One of the problems with going to the gym as we age is that exercise classes and equipment are geared for younger members. Before joining a gym, ask the staff if there are special classes or instructions for older members who may already have aching backs and joints.
Strong, conditioned muscles are better able to absorb the impact of repetitive motions without injury while improving performance. Performance is also improved with the proper posture and alignment that comes with good flexibility. Many people incorrectly think that physical therapy is just for rehabilitation after an injury or a stroke. As we age, tendons and ligaments become less elastic and are more prone to tears and injury. A therapeutic exercise program completed with a well trained professional can increase strength and conditioning of muscles and improve flexibility in order to avoid soft tissue injuries.
Working with a physical therapist for balance training will increase dexterity and reaction time for aging athletes and would also help aging boomers avoid debilitating falls.
In summary, stay active, vary your exercise program and consider consulting with a physical therapist to proactively work to avoid sports injuries. Enjoy your remaining years with gusto!
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