How to Stay Physically Fit in Old Age
You may not be able to run marathons or bench-press your own weight once you hit retirement age, but that’s probably not necessary in the latter years of your life anyway. You should aim to keep fit enough that you’ll able to maintain your independence as you reach your 70s, 80s and 90s.
Below is a suggested fitness routine that, if followed properly, should prevent you from needing the skilled home health care in Chesterfield or Macomb has to offer.
Light Cardio
At least thirty minutes a day of walking, light jogging, cycling or swimming will do plenty to help you maintain your endurance. If you enjoyed any of these hobbies in your younger years, there’s no reason to give them up after you retire. Your doctor will be able to recommend a cardio plan that is suitable to your current physical condition, so that you don’t overdo it. As long as they are aware of how much exercise you’re doing, there’s no reason for you to slow down.
Light Lifting
A set of dumbbells between two and ten pounds could do a lot to help maintain bone density in old age. A doctor or physio will be able to recommend suitable resistance training, so that you don’t overdo it. They’ll probably suggest that lifting weights every day is too much, but that engaging in a twenty to thirty-minute session a few times a week could be helpful.
Yoga
Yoga is a great activity for older people to engage in. This activity can be adapted for people of any age or fitness level, plus many poses are created to help you remain balanced and flexible.
Join a Sports League for Seniors
Whatever sport you feel capable of doing, try to find a league for seniors, even if it’s for a sport that isn’t physically demanding like darts, bowling, or golf. This will help you maintain an active social life, which is important for the maintenance of your mental health.
What If I Don’t Have the Energy to Keep Fit?
The following tips are recommended for older people who feel they don’t have the energy to keep fit.
- Stay socially active with loved ones and members of the community.
- Eat a healthy diet, with lots of fruits and vegetables and not very much processed fats.
- Take all medications as directed by your doctor.
- Reduce alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
- Get a decent amount of sleep (7 to 8 hours).
These behaviors will do as much to help you feel fantastic in your body, as a regular exercise routine would. This will do loads to help you maintain your health well into old age too. Those offering skilled home health care in Macomb will do everything they can to help their older patients engage in these activities.
Finally, make you see your doctor regularly for professional check-ups. They’ll be able to diagnose early signs of any physical or mental health condition that could be cropping up and will be able to prescribe the medication to keep you on the path to a happy and healthy retirement.