| Many times we hear the term "aging in place" for | | | | disease, diabetes, and cancer if done on a regular, |
| older adults. So, just where are you "aging in | | | | permanent basis. |
| place"? Is it on the sofa, in your easy chair in | | | | The major obstacle to overcome is more mental |
| front of the TV, or have you chosen the healthy | | | | than physical. We need to set aside the |
| alternatives such as walking, cycling or strength | | | | perception that a fitness program requires tight |
| training? | | | | fitting spandex and working out to "sweating with |
| Most people 65 years old and older have | | | | the oldies"! It is this perception that has frightened |
| witnessed the fitness revolution but many cannot | | | | many people away from getting involved in a |
| identify with it. Many older adults feel that it's too | | | | fitness program. A properly designed fitness |
| late for them to benefit from "all that fitness | | | | program for older adults includes these elements: |
| stuff". WRONG!! This age group can benefit the | | | | strength training, aerobic conditioning, physical |
| most from exercise and fitness because they | | | | fitness and balance training. |
| have the time to devote, and the much to gain | | | | A structured fitness program should last at least |
| from a fitness program. | | | | 30 minutes or longer and be designed to |
| A fitness program designed for active older adults | | | | accommodate various levels of fitness. The |
| can improve how long they may live, improve | | | | facility should allow a certain amount of privacy to |
| their quality of life, and allow them to maintain | | | | accommodate those who feel uneasy about the |
| their independence. The benefits of ones physical | | | | way they look or move and provide a |
| fitness can go unnoticed. One may maintain | | | | knowledgeable instructor who understands that |
| certain activities without a noticeable decline such | | | | the participants are conscious of their looks and |
| as getting in and out of a car, reaching overhead | | | | abilities and will try to make them comfortable |
| in cupboards for kitchen utensils, or being able to | | | | when trying new things. |
| lift themselves off the toilet without any | | | | If reading this article has left you out of breath |
| assistance. | | | | and your heart pounding, I recommend that you |
| Plus it is a proven fact that exercise makes one | | | | seriously consider starting a regular exercise |
| feel better and enjoy life more, improves | | | | program, but consult you doctor prior to |
| symptoms of certain underlying diseases and | | | | undertaking any strenuous activity. |
| disabilities, improves mood, reduces depression, | | | | "Age is a case of mind over matter...if you don't |
| and can delay certain diseases such as heart | | | | mind, it don't matter!"...... |