Seniors living as juniors

Working-out, fitness, running or practicing any type of sport activity has recently become very popular with people of any age. Exercise helps to “restore” our brain in addition to treating anxiety or nervousness in our body and soul. Maintaining a regular exercise routine can be challenging for many of us. With our busy work and social lives, we have limited time to look after ourselves. And that is a problem...

I have set my goals. I wake up early every morning and I start my day with exercising. I work out for 45 minutes every day and the feeling after is just amazing. But will I be able to keep this lifestyle for forever? As we grow older, we realize that exercise and working-out are more important for our health and lifestyle than ever. It will give us energy maintain positive moods. Sports delay the signs of aging, help to manage pain and give us independence too. Obviously, the older we are, the harder it is for us to find an activity that will suit us.

People of younger age are able to practice any kind of activity; any sport. But how can elderly people maintain their active lifestyle?

According to my research and reading, the most important sport activities elder people should practice are cardio and strength exercises. Aerobic training benefits the heart, reduces shortness of breath and strengthens the immune system. Appropriate cardio activity can include walking, hiking, cycling, water aerobics, tennis, dance lessons, swimming… To maintain health some of these should be included in our daily activities

One of the advantages for elder people is having more time for themselves and their passions. It should not be a problem to find at least half an hour of time each day for stretching and conditioning their body. When choosing a sports activity, it is necessary to choose such a sport that aids flexibility, improves balance and maintains posture.

During my recent browsing in the Active Mobility showroom I found the DM3 walking track - great equipment for elderly people exercising as well as for those recovering after injuries. It stimulates mobility, improves balance, increases self-confidence and maintains independence. Using the DM3 walking track can lead to amazing results. It is a tool that helps in rehabilitation and therapy but it is also fun! People can set their own obstacles to challenge themselves or friends.  The DM3 walking track is suitable for elderly people in any health condition.The DM3 walking truck contains:

• 2 carpets [5 X 1 m]
• 1 carpet [3 X 1 m]
• 8 cones
• 3 sticks
• 3 barbed balls
• 4 parallelogram blocks
• 1 thick carpet square [2cm]1 evaluation grid

Staying “in shape” also involves people’s diet. What we eat can be seen in our mood, on our skin and inside in our body. Correct nutrition is important for elderly people. Many people in old age tend to underestimate the value of food
an resign themselves to a lack of variety in their menu. A balanced diet is important to ensure that the body receives all the necessary nutrients. Foods which help to keep the aging body in the best shape possible, include:

• Fresh fruits and vegetables
• Eggs
• Milk and milk products
• Oatmeal and whole wheat bread
• Poultry and fish
• Legumes
• Dried fruits, seeds and nuts

People should avoid dumplings, white bread, fatty meats, sweetened drinks and sweets in general.

In my opinion, maintaining a good diet is important not just for seniors but for people of any age. Fast food, sweets, sweet drinks or too many carbohydrates in any form are our enemies!

Having an active lifestyle at any age is very important. I believe those people who are active for their whole life may have a longer and happier life. But …it is not just about adding years to life but also about adding life to years! Exercising and proper diet may not help to remove all health problems but it may eliminate their future development. Trying to match an active life with a balanced diet is the best combination for being healthy.