Carl R. Johnson / Senior Advocate
Many years ago (the mid-1980s) when our oldest daughter was in her senior year at Boise State, she was invited to conduct a senior physical fitness program for the local YWCA. With a double major in Physical Education and Gerontology, she was uniquely qualified to provide such a program.
In fact, the program was so successful that a local TV station did a special report featuring our daughter leading this program of physical exercise for senior women, which resulted in even more women signing up for this exercise program.
In a sense, our daughter was ahead of her time, because today, with local YMCA’s offering yoga, pilates, and other specially designed classes for seniors, we’ve finally recognized the need for seniors to be engaged in physical fitness activities that are geared for their limitations and stamina. It’s another sign that as our society ages, we need to be proactive in providing appropriate activities that will strengthen senior’s ability to enjoy and maintain an active life-style.
Personally, I’m blessed to be able to run three miles four times a week, as well as work out on the weight-resistance equipment two times a week at the Y. Having just turned 74, I look forward to these daily opportunities for meaningful physical activity.
However, I know that many seniors my age are not able to exercise at this level, and for them, any exercise is preferable to none at all.
According to a report from the National Institute of Health, “being physically active on a regular basis is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself. Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging. Being physically active can also help you stay strong and fit enough to keep doing the things you like to do as you get older. Making exercise and physical activity a regular part of your life can improve your health and help you maintain your independence as you age.”
The NIH report continues with this assessment: “Regular physical activity and exercise are important to the physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older adults. Staying physically active and exercising regularly can produce long-term health benefits and even improve health for some older people who already have diseases and disabilities. That’s why health experts say that older adults should aim to be as active as possible.”
In my column next month, I want to continue this discussion, and share some valuable insights that I trust will encourage all of my readers to pursue healthy and appropriate physical exercise.
