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Mar 17

Congdon: Elders should spring forward with exercise – Columbus Telegram

Exercise Programs Comments Off on Congdon: Elders should spring forward with exercise – Columbus Telegram

We have sprung our clocks ahead an hour. Many spring birds have returned. Some trees, shrubs and plants are beginning to bud.

Spring is in the air and the calendar will indicate it soon as well. With spring in mind, its time to shake off the winter blahs, grab your yoga mat or lace up the running shoes and get to moving.

Some older people may have slowed down in the winter months; however, experts say its important to stay active all year long, especially for elders. Some proven benefits as a result of exercise are lower blood pressure; improved sleep and mood; less fatigue, joint pain and constipation; and better weight control.

But, its never too late so, start to get more active this spring. Here are some tips for elders to get in shape:

Walking: Climate control and even surfaces make mall (or large store) walking a great way to stay in shape. Many malls even have walking clubs.

Aerobics/yoga: Sign up for aerobics or yoga classes at a senior, community or wellness center, or local YMCA.

Exercise buddy/group: Get an exercise buddy or join an active group. The support is helpful for staying on track, especially if you dont feel like exercising & it helps to have someone checking on you.

Swimming: heck into the local YMCA, community colleges, fitness centers or gyms many will have times, and perhaps classes, specifically for elders.

Use stairs: If its safe to do so, take the stairs. Stair climbing uses the same muscles necessary for keeping your balance while rising from a chair, so it is important to keep these muscles strong.

Make little changes: Parking farther away from church, or a store entrance and walking the extra distance (when its safe to do so). Every movement helps, even the little ones.

Dancing: Ballroom dancing improves flexibility and balance, square dancing and aerobic dancing improves cardiovascular fitness. Check out classes in your area; or dances you can attend.

Exercise programs: Find exercise programs on TV, DVD, on a computer program or phone ap to make it simpler to exercise at home. Experts suggest elders first check with their doctor before starting any exercise routine. Remember to warm up before, and cool down & stretch after any exercise activity to lower risk for injury.

Other tips for successful exercising include:

wearing comfortable shoes with rubber grips to prevent falls,

wearing sunscreen if your exercises take you outdoors,

drinking water to stay hydrated,

making increased physical activity part of a daily routine, and

setting an exercise goal for cardiovascular fitness and resistance (strengthening) exercise.

Being active is important to healthy aging. Remember not all exercise has to be organized, nor does it have to be viewed as a chore. Choose to move safely as often as you can and choose to start your day with a positive attitude whenever possible.

Rachelle Congdon is the senior living counselor at The Heritage at Meridian Gardens.

See more here:
Congdon: Elders should spring forward with exercise - Columbus Telegram

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