Staying Fit

In a workshop, I give on Staying Fit we talk about the benefits of exercise for seniors. I have talked about these before but I need to emphasize the points again. Many of us don't exercise enough, which is for seniors defined as 30 minutes a day.

However, before starting an exercise regime, you should always talk to your doctor. To help you decide to see your doctor, take the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire.Questionnaire

• Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by your doctor?  Y/N
• Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?  Y/N
• In the past month have you had chest pain when you were not doing a physical activity?  Y/N
• Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?  Y/N
• Do you have a bone or joint problem (e.g., back, knee, or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?  Y/N
• Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (e.g. water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition? Y/N
• Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity?  Y/N

Just a reminder of what exercise can do for you. Exercise helps you

• Manage depression
• Maintain independence
• Have more energy
• Reduce your risk of dementia
• Reduce the risk of falling
• Reduce risk of chronic degenerative diseases
• Have a little fun.  

Being in good shape and in good health, as you age, helps you enjoy doing the things you love to do (playing with grandchildren, gardening), protects you against loss of bone mass, may boost your immune system and improves gastrointestinal function