How to Keep Fit While Growing Older

Growing older is an inevitable part of life process. However, it doesn’t have to be destructive and you can keep fit while growing older. Keeping fit while growing older will delay aging and keep its deteriorative effects at bay. Here are a few tips on how to keep fit and healthy.

Exercise Well

The importance of exercise in keeping fit for all ages cannot be over-emphasized.

It is a proven scientific fact that people who exercise tend to have improved immune system, improved digestive functioning, better blood pressure and bone density, and a lower risk of Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, obesity, heart disease, osteoporosis, and certain cancers.

Not only that, exercise helps to lose unhealthy weight. Metabolism naturally declines with increasing age, exercise increases the body metabolism and there is loss of unhealthy weight.

As one gets older, the body goes through a series of physiological changes so the types and intensity of exercises will also evolve.

Weight-Lifting 

This is a form of exercise that one should always find time for. There is tendency to become demoralized to lift weights as one ages. This may be due to muscle atrophy which reduces the vitality of the muscles and its functions. You might find it increasingly difficult to lift the weights you have been lifting. It is important not to give up during such challenges. One way of overcoming the challenges is by joining exercise groups with whom you lift weights and exercise together. There is a risk of injury and you should be careful with the work outs. Never use a weight that is too heavy. Use smaller weights and then try to build it back up.

Walking/Jogging – Walking and jogging are very important activities to engage in. While getting older, there is tendency of living a sedentary lifestyle which may be attributed to retirement or other reason and it is even more important to start walking and jogging as part of your exercise regime. Walking and Jogging increases the heart rates and reduce the chances of developing hypertension. Not only that, it keeps the blood flowing well to all areas of the body.

Yoga – Yoga is a natural anti-aging method and is advisable to engage in it as one grows older. Yoga has been studied and may be recommended to promote relaxation and reduce stress. Yoga has the same effects it has on you while younger when you grow older. Some of the effects of yoga include increasing general health and stamina, reducing stress, and improving those conditions brought about by aging. It is particularly promoted as a physical therapy routine, and as a regimen to strengthen and balance all parts of the body.

It is important in ages to eat a balanced diet in order to keep fit. A balanced diet is a diet that gives your body all the nutrients required by it in order to function correctly.

Cut of junk foods. Junk foods contain poor nutrition and are high in sugar content.This may result in gaining unhealthy weight. Being overweight can lead to serious health complications resulting in morbidity. The prevalence of several medical complications, such as diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cardiovascular disease, urinary incontinence, and various types of cancers, is associated with obesity in advancing age.

As such, it is recommended to avoid foods high in sugar such as cakes, cookies and donuts. In order to get a properly balanced nutrition, you should obtain the majority of your daily energy from fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Rest Well

To keep fit while growing older, it is important to always get enough rest and sleep. Getting enough rest helps to reduce stress and keep its detrimental effects away.

By Mary Rosalie