Exercise Could be the Fountain of Youth

When we’re young, it’s easy to run, skip, and hop around. We play games with friends, tag, hide and seek, jumping on one foot from one blue square to the next in the mall, any reason at all to move, children will find it. Unfortunately, as we get older, that willingness to move our bodies isn’t as strong. The main reason being, of course, is just that it’s more difficult for us to move. Arthritis may have set in, or some other chronic illness, or just good old fashioned fatigue. But, moving is just as important as we get older as when we were children. Muscles need to be worked, the mind needs to be stimulated, and bones need to be strengthened to continue good health.

Although there is no real fountain of youth, the closest we get to it may just be exercise. Seniors that exercise enjoy greater mobility, greater overall happiness, higher levels of social contact, and more meaning in their lives than seniors who don’t get up and get moving. Even if you’re in a wheelchair, there are things you can do to strengthen your upper body, as many city parks have stations specially made for people in wheelchairs.

Of course, most seniors are not out to become fitness champions, but by exercising every day, whether it’s a walk around the pond, a long walk through the parking lot to the grocery store, or lifting appropriate weights, seniors can maintain good health and the ability to do the everyday tasks that they’ve become accustomed to. Seniors can locate classes at community centers or the local YMCA to help them strengthen their muscles, maintain their balance, and fend off falls, diseases and injuries.

Since 1996, Always Best Care has been providing seniors with quality in-home care services and assisted living community referrals. If you live in the North or West Vancouver area, and are interested in finding out more about in-home care in West Vancouver, or about referrals for senior living in the North Shore, you can call the Always Best Care Vancouver location at 778-945-3010 or email them at hhamidi@abc-seniors.com to set up a free consultation.