Staying Active As You Age

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Heart Body and Mind Homecare

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Posted on

Jan 06, 2022

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Florida - Southwest

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Make Exercise a Habit
Once you've started exercising, its important to keep going because physical activity needs to be done on a regular basis to produce maximum benefits.
A Regular Part of Your Day
At Heart, Body & Mind Home Care we believe that one of the best ways to stay physically active is to make it a life-long habit. Set yourself up to succeed right from the start by seeking to make exercise a regular part of your day. When it becomes a normal part of your everyday routine, like brushing your teeth, then you'll be less likely to stop and will find it easier to start up again if you're interrupted for some reason. If you can stick with an exercise routine or physical activity for at least 6 months, its a good sign that
you're on your way to making physical activity a regular habit.
Ways to Make Exercise a Habit
Here are a few ways to help you make exercise a regular part of your daily life.
1. Make it a priority.
2. Make it easy.
3. Make it safe.
4. Make it social.
5. Make it interesting and fun.
6. Make it an active decision.
Make It a Priority
Many of us lead busy lives, and its easy to put physical activity at the bottom of the to do list. Remember, though, being active is one of the most important things you can do each day to maintain and improve your health. Make it a point to include physical activities throughout your day. Try being active first thing in the morning before you get busy. Think of your time to exercise as a special appointment, and mark it on your calendar.
Make it Easy
If its difficult, costs too much, or is too inconvenient, you probably wont be active. You are more likely to exercise if its easy to do. Do more of the activities you already like and know how to do. Walk the entire mall or every aisle of the grocery store when you go shopping. When you go out to get the mail, walk around the block. Consider yoga or chair yoga for support and even tai chi. You can be active all at once, or break it up into smaller amounts throughout the day.
Make It Safe
Exercise and moderate physical activity, such as brisk walking, are safe for almost all older adults. Even so, avoiding injury is an important thing to keep in mind, especially if you're just starting a new activity or you haven't been active for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you have an ongoing health condition or certain other health problems or if you haven't seen your doctor for a while. Ask how physical activity can help you, whether you should avoid certain activities, and how to modify exercises to fit your situation.
You may feel some minor discomfort or muscle soreness when you start to exercise. This should go away as you get used to the activities. However, if you feel sick to your stomach or have strong pain, you've done too much. Go easier and then gradually build up.
Make It Social
Enlist a friend or family member or consider going with a professional caregiver companion. Many people agree that having an exercise buddy keeps them going. Take a yoga class with a neighbor. If you don't already have an exercise partner, find one by joining a walking club at your local mall or an exercise class at a nearby senior center.
Make It Interesting and Fun
Do things you enjoy and pick up the pace a bit. If you love the outdoors, try biking, fishing, jogging, or hiking. Listen to music or a book on CD while walking, gardening, or raking. Plan a walking tour or hiking trip at a nearby park.
Most people tend to focus on one activity or type of exercise and think they're doing enough. The goal is to be creative and choose exercises from each of the four categories endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility. Mixing it up will help you reap the benefits of each type of exercise, as well as reduce boredom and risk of injury.

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