Physical activity can push back or speed up the inevitable health issues that arise from genetics and normal aging.
By Alison Crane
“You are as old as you feel.” Have you ever been a little shocked when you remember how old you actually are? That is a good thing, because one study found that people who felt younger than their actual age essentially lived longer than those who felt older than their real age.
I am at an age where I am experiencing some of the effects of aging, but have not reached full-blown old age. As an educator and a caregiver, I am also very aware of what can happen as we age. Living well at every stage of life is key to healthy aging.
No matter what age you are now, there are steps that can be taken to help you to “age gracefully”. For every person, there are some things that are part of their genetic makeup – it runs in the family. But we can make choices that can push back or speed up the inevitable health issues that arise from genetics and normal aging.
Every September, we recognize Healthy Aging Month to promote ways people can stay healthy as they age. These three types of physical activity can help you stay healthy and independent:
- Aerobic activity can help you do everyday tasks and keep your mind and memory sharp. Try these aerobic activities: go for a swim or bike ride, walk around the neighborhood — or inside your home when the weather’s bad, play a sport with friends — consider pickleball or tennis. Aim for at least 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity.
- Muscle-strengthening activity can make it easier to do things like get up from a chair or open a jar. Try these muscle-strengthening activities: do squats, lunges, or arm circles, carry groceries, lift weights, or fill a plastic bottle with water and lift that instead. Aim for at least 2 days a week of muscle-strengthening activity.
- Balance activity can lower your risk of falls and your risk of an injury if you do fall. Try these balance activities at home: Stand on 1 leg, walk backwards or sideways, or do an online yoga or tai chi video. Feeling unsteady? Try holding onto a chair or wall for support!
Contact your doctor to find out what activities are safe for any existing health issues, and remember, it’s never too late to start being active!
So, take the first step and find your stride. Get a little more active each day. Want to get moving in the right direction? Contact the Garland County Extension Service at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uada.edu to find out more about programs and resources available to benefit your health, and join one of our Extension Get Fit classes to help you stride in the right direction.
Frank Lloyd Wright, the famous architect, said: “The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes.” Visit the Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service website to embrace aging.
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Sciences Agent with the Garland County Extension Service. Pursuant to 7 CFR § 15.3, the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture offers all its Extension and Research programs and services (including employment) without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, marital or veteran status, genetic information, sexual preference, pregnancy or any other legally protected status, and is an equal opportunity institution.
