Exercising after 60–What You Need to Know
Physical fitness is an import aspect of your overall health, which is why it’s important for senior citizens to continue to exercise. Many people over 60 think that at their age they should be taking it easy and not exerting themselves. They’re right to an extant; now more than ever it’s important to pay attention to the limits of your body. But physical fitness is essential is preventing illness and injury, which people in their 60s may be more susceptible to. Dr. James M. Rippe, the director of the Center for Clinical and Lifestyle Research at Tufts University School of Medicine says, “Studies show that even if you start a regular exercise program in your sixties, you lower your risk of heart disease for the rest of your life. If you’re 60 years old, you may have another 25 years left, so the quality of life during those years is something to think about.” Here are some things to keep in mind about exercising after 60.
Assess
Before you begin a new exercise or diet plan, it’s good to consult your doctor. If possible, get a physical. That’s a good way to get a medical assessment of your overall health. Take stock of your abilities. You can find self-assessments on the web that are designed for seniors so you can pin-point exactly what feels comfortable to you.
Don’t Hold Back
Some fitness experts say that the decline in physical ability that we associate with aging does not come from the actual effects of the body aging, but rather from inactivity. People think that because they’re getting older, they’re no longer capable of getting a good workout or even enjoying activities that they used to, like biking, swimming, or even tennis. By cutting back on these activities, their bodies lose the ability to perform as they used to. If you are already active, it’s good to just continue your normal routine. Don’t limit yourself based on what you think people your age are or are not capable of doing.
Take It Easy
On the other hand, the older you get, the more likely you are to injure yourself or sustain more damage from an injury that might not have affected you as much in your younger years. The key is to just listen to your body. You can’t expect it, at 60, to work the way it did at 20. You don’t want to push your body to the point of detriment. Know your limits. Good health is all about balance.
Stay Young at Heart
Heart health is important at any age, certainly, but especially for senior citizens. Heart disease and heart attacks are one of the most common causes of the death in the US, and the best way to keep your heart healthy is by doing aerobic exercises. In one clinical study, 68 people who were on waiting lists for heart transplants were put on exercise programs of graded walking. After six months, 30 of them increased their heart health so much, they no longer needed a transplant.
Author Bio:
Jeff writes about how better health has a positive effect on your life insurance rates
