Once you hit 60 you may find you have less motivation and or strength to stay active. However, making healthy habits and sticking to them daily can not only build that strength and motivation, and by starting small and rewarding yourself for each step you take, you can make a difference in how good you feel.
Here are some tips on staying active:
- Exercise: Exercise is important no matter what age you are. There are many benefits to adding exercise to your routine to include improvement in chronic diseases like diabetes. Exercise also helps feed your brain and improves your decision-making skills as you get older. Adding in 20 – 30 minutes a day of active movement to include walking or swimming. Feel free to break down your time as you do not have to do it all at once. Exercising with a friend or partner can make it more fun and give you motivation.
Other simple ways to exercise include yoga, gardening, fishing or even dancing. An active activity that you enjoy can benefit your health.
- Your diet: Making one small change at a time is the best way to do it, when you change everything at once it may turn you away from even trying. One step at a time, for example, instead of having two slices of white toast with your breakfast switch to one slice of whole grain bread. Cutting back on sugar drinks or salty snacks makes a huge difference, maybe instead of a glass of juice you can go for some whole fresh fruit instead.
Other changes you can make to your diet with additional benefits for your overall health include adding more fiber to your diet, intaking more fresh vegetables, beans and whole grains.
Most importantly staying hydrated, this alone will increase your energy levels naturally and flush toxins in your body. - Balance exercises: Keeping your balance as you get older is important as it can help you avoid falls and keep your legs strong. Holding on to a chair for safety when first starting out, practice standing on one foot. Walking backwards and sideways is another good way to stay balanced.
- Muscle strengthening twice a week: Starting out with very light hand weights, taking it slow and doing on side at a time. Focus on breathing correctly as you are lifting the weights, it is important to keep your blood pressure at a healthy rate. Breath out when lifting the weight, and breathing in as you lower it. When you’re doing something active and it requires more than 1 type of physical movement or activity you get even more health benefits.
If you need help getting started or staying active, call our office today at (407) 807-6645 to schedule a free consultation.
