Ken Oliver

Remember that old love song from the 60’s. Taking care of yourself for the one you love may be just the motivation you need to begin a healthier you. 

Care giving for a loved one can be one of life’s most draining experiences: affecting mind, body and soul. To counter this, set personal health goals. For example, set a goal to find time to be physically active on most days of the week, or set a goal for getting a good night’s sleep. It’s also crucial to eat a healthy diet. When caregivers understand that, there can be a tremendous sense of relief that allows them to set more realistic goals. Remember these keys to keep depression at bay: 

Maintain a life outside of care giving. Stay connected to friends. Don’t give up your daily routines. Maintain your health. Get regular check-ups, eat a balanced diet, and exercise. Exercise. It un-kinks tense muscles, revs up the cardiovascular system, and floods the brain with feel-good chemicals, such as endorphins. Use simple de-stressing techniques. Deep breathing, muscle relaxation, meditation, and self-massage. And laugh. “People don’t think of humor as a way to cope with stress, but they should”. Join a support group. In support groups, you validate your role as caregiver, voice your fears, vent your frustrations, and learn coping strategies and techniques. 

“Exercise is an antidote to aging,” says Barry A. Franklin, PhD, director of the cardiac rehabilitation and exercise labs at Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak, MI. A well-rounded routine, as part of a healthy lifestyle, may help you avoid things like falls, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Experts say many of the conditions people think are due to getting older have more to do with not moving enough. 

At any age, these are the types of exercise you want to get: 

Aerobic: good for your heart and lungs. It’s also good for your blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, sleep, and memory. What to do: You can walk briskly, walk in the water, or do any other activity that gets your heart rate up. 

Strength training: good for your muscles and bones. It’s the principle of “use it or lose it.” What to do: Start with 2-pound hand weights or resistance stretch bands. 

Flexibility and balance: helps prevent falls by stretching your muscles and keep them from stiffening up. What to do: Yoga and tai chi are good for both. You can also learn balance exercises in senior fitness classes or from a personal trainer. 

Whatever you do, start at a medium pace, where you move a little bit but can still hold a conversation. Aim for 30 minutes a day and build up to that, even if you start with just 5 minutes at a time. 

We have everything you need right here at Kirby Pines. Check out the Oasis for exercise equipment or join one of our exercise classes. Setting healthy goals for yourself can be “Dedicated to the ones you love.” 

When it comes to staying fit, age is nothing but a number. It doesn’t matter how many candles are on your cake, exercising regularly is important. However, as the body ages, it becomes more vulnerable to things like illness, falls, or cognitive decline. Maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle can keep you feeling young, fresh, and energized well into your senior years.

Multiple studies have found that physical activity is one of the main contributors to a long life. Regular exercise can increase your quality of life and lengthen it significantly if done consistently over time.

This makes sense because exercise has always been highlighted as a top motivator for brain and body health. Among many things, physical activity keeps the heart strong, stress levels low, improves sleeping habits, and even improves memory. Longevity is the cherry on top.

Therefore, the older you get, the more useful these benefits become. But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a pro to stay fit. There are many easy and effective ways to remain strong for years to come. If you need a little extra incentive, read the following benefits of exercise for seniors.

Reduce Your Chances of Developing Illness or Disease 

Physical activity promotes blood flow, heart health, and hormone regulation, all of which are crucial for fighting back against free radicals and keeping the immune system healthy. If you have a history of illness or would like to do what you can to prevent it from occurring, exercise is one of your best bets. 

Gives You a Sense of Productivity and Purpose 

Exercise can add much-needed structure, routine, and healthy spurts of dopamine to your weekly schedule. As you age, finding activities that bring you satisfaction and purpose become integral to everyday life, and exercise is one that can bring both of those things, and more. 

Prevent Falls with Improved Mobility and Balance 

Gentle physical exercises such as stretching, yoga, strength exercise, and water aerobics can support the body in muscle development and provide you with the central stability necessary for resisting potential damage. 

Use It as an Opportunity to Make Friends 

In this phase of your life, it’s important to reach out to your community and bond with others who are sharing this unique experience called aging. Exercise is a great incentive for getting out and seeing friends, even if it’s just for a walk around the grounds. 

More Control Over Weight 

Physical activity also burns calories, which can be useful if your aim is to shift weight. However, even if you are trying to gain healthy weight, exercise is still necessary for its many metabolic benefits. 

Improves Cognitive Function 

Studies have shown regular physical activity can significantly lower the risk of dementia and other cognitive or memory-affected mental diseases. The main reason for this is the increased supply of red blood cells to the brain, which promotes improved neurological speed, accuracy, and longevity. 

Good Sleep, Good Life 

Studies have found that consistent exercise is one of the most effective ways to induce healthy sleeping habits, regardless of age. When your body has been active, it becomes extra tired, affording you a more refreshing and energy-replenishing sleep.