Benefits of physical activity are huge
To the readers who may have noticed a hiatus in our column, I apologize. I return with renewed energy and commitment to engage the older population of our region in living fully and loving life. I will start where I have been before reminding everyone of the importance of staying physically active. This cannot be said too many times. You will see increasing evidence of the importance of this not only for school aged children, but for people in middle and later years. What is good for your grandchild is good for you too.
While the type of exercise for older adults may be different than that for kids, the benefits can be huge: decreased pain from arthritis, increased mobility, decreased falls, improved bowel function, increased bone and muscle strength, improved brain function, improved breathing and heart function, better hormone balance (especially in diabetics).
As a matter of fact, a good way to start is to walk with your grandchild. Each town has walking trails which at this time of year may not be accessible unless you have snow shoes. If you are walking outside now use your ice grippers! In the spring these trails will open up, though and take you through nice scenery often on groomed paths.
If you are afraid of the weather and slipping on ice, commit to an inside practice for at least 20 minutes daily. This could be home yoga (great for building a calm but strong muscular core that can help prevent falls) or home exercise with light weights (1-2 lbs maximum). I like to put rhythmic, ecstatic music on and just dance, all by myself, in the living room!
If you prefer a more social opportunity, try studio yoga or Qigong, an ancient practice of vitality work to enhance energy, clear thinking and balance which can be done by anyone of any age and is available in various places in the region including The Color of Life Studio in downtown Dover-Foxcroft, Still Pine Center in Dexter and Friends of Community Fitness in Guilford. There are free qigong classes every Weds at 8:30 a.m. at Center Theatre Lobby.
Join a fitness group especially for people in your age and fitness group such as those offered at the Friends of Fitness in Guilford, Millside Fitness in Dexter, or the YMCA in Dover. Or look for classes sponsored by groups such as Bone Builders, Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s A Matter of Balance, or even Zumba.
The most important thing is to get started and make a commitment to keep it up for at least six weeks. While the first few sessions can be tough, just knowing that it can reduce medical illness, reduce dependency, and enhance enjoyment and vitality for the other things you want to do may keep you at it until you begin to really feel the benefit. After a while you won’t want to miss it.
If you have questions about what exercise is best for you, ask your doctor or just go to a class and see what it is like. Not every type of exercise is right for every person. Movement is good, though, no matter what it is.
We invite readers to offer feedback about this column and to suggest topics for future articles. You may do so by contacting Meg Callaway of the Charlotte White Center at (207) 947-1410 or meg.callaway@charlottewhite.org or Lesley Fernow at (207) 992-6822 and lmfernow@rcn.com.