How to Keep Yourself Active, Longer!

Jan 31

Although exercise is always an important part of a healthy lifestyle no matter what age you are, it is extremely important to exercise and stay physically active as you get older. Exercise can lower your risk of developing a variety of health conditions, and it can also improve mental health as well as physical health. Consistent exercise can help you to feel strong, confident, and energized during this stage of life and it can also open up doors to meeting new people and socializing, whether you choose to join a gym, a yoga class, a swim class, or by simply going for jogs or bike rides. Despite how important it is to keep active; this does not mean it is easy to do. That is why we want to give you all some tips on how to stay active for as long as possible.

Benefits of staying active

As mentioned above, physical activity is good for your mental and physical health. It can lower your risk of developing (or help you manage) many health conditions. These include -but are not limited to- conditions such as coronary heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, some types of cancer, obesity and arthritis. It can also reduce the risk of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Being physically active can make a positive difference to the quality of your life. Some of these benefits include the following:

Improves mood/mental health
Increases self-esteem
Provides a sense of achievement
Helps with relaxation
Relieves stress
Gives you more energy for playing with grandchildren, participating in other outdoor activities that you enjoy, etc.
Keeps your stamina up throughout the day
Provides opportunities to meet new people and socialize
Allows you to try new things that you might not know that you like
Can be a source of fresh air and vitamin D if you choose to stay active outside

What kind of activity?

We have so many patients here that were incredibly athletic and active adults and that wish to continue these same activities long into retirement. We love working with patients whose goals are to stay active. However, it’s important to do this with the guidance of a physical therapist. Physical activity can be anything that gets your body moving – which is what makes it fun! You really have the opportunity to get creative if you want, which is what is great about it. And, you don’t have to work-out like an Olympic athlete either! Different activities such as gardening, walking, doing housework, taking stairs instead of an elevator, snow shoveling, etc. all give you plenty of healthy physical activity. Exercise, more specifically, is more structured and repetitive. It can include activities like tai chi, yoga, chair aerobics, cycling, Pilates, Zumba, dance, and more. As you get older, it’s especially important to do exercises that improve muscle strength, balance and flexibility. Remember, everyone is different, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself! The point is to get your body moving in a healthy way, and to have fun while doing it.

Tips on how to maintain consistency for years to come:

The most important piece of advice we can give is to be active with the advice and guidance of a physical therapist. They will know your body and your goals enough to push you when you need pushing and to remind you to play it safe if they think you are being too risky. The key to longevity is knowing your individual needs and not being too rigorous on your body. Here are some other tips to keep active longer:

Schedule regular tune-up sessions with your PT and or MFR therapist to work out any body restrictions and make sure you are staying actively pain-free.
Listen to your body if you feel like something is too much/not enough.
Be consistent!
Exercise with others! This is not only safer to do, but way more fun. It’s also a way to keep yourself accountable and consistent.
Take part in group classes or sign up for individual training. The more eyes on you the better and the more beneficial!
Call us at (401)602-7006 if you are experiencing pain, are having trouble getting started, or have any questions and concerns that you’d like the help of an expert with.

These are some of our tips and tricks to help you all stay active and healthy, especially as we are stuck in this winter season. Getting older doesn’t mean you have to stop being active- in fact, it is all the more reason to stay active and healthy! If you want to be able to continue to do the things that you love to do and enjoy those things with loved ones, it is important to make sure that your body is getting enough physical activity so that you have the strength and energy to keep living a happy, healthy, and fulfilling lifestyle. If you need some fine-tuning or need to conquer your mystery pain before jumping back into the activities that you love (especially since springtime is not too far away!) don’t hesitate to contact us here at Arancia PT to schedule your next visit or for a free consultation. You can also give us a call at (401)-602-7006 to get your next session under your belt. We look forward to seeing you soon!