The Best Way to Stay Active As We Age

and regularly participating in physically and mentally challenging activities may reduce health and mobility challenges associated with aging. Learn more about the key to active aging and how strength and resistance training play a role in keeping our bodies healthy.

The Key to Active Aging

There are several ways to stay healthy and active as you age. Each one plays an important part in helping you maintain your physical health, mental well-being and quality of life. By focusing on these habits, you can continue doing the things you enjoy even as you get older.

• Stay physically active – Regular exercise (including cardio and strength training) is a great way to help you maintain strength, flexibility and balance.
• Eat a healthy diet – A balanced diet supports your health from the inside out. Make sure to eat enough protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals to support bone health, muscle strength and energy.
• Keep your mind engaged – Cognitive decline is a common health concern associated with aging. Stay mentally engaged by reading, playing music and learning a new skill. These are all mentally stimulating activities that can lower your risk of dementia.
• Stay social – Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. Make sure to spend time with friends and family to reduce loneliness and support your emotional well-being.
• Prioritize sleep – Your mood, immune function and memory are all impacted when you don’t get enough sleep. Aim for somewhere between 7 and 8 hours of sleep each night.
• Schedule routine checkups – Many health conditions have a better prognosis when they are caught early. By staying on top of preventive health care, you can stay healthier and more independent.
• Support your mental health – Make time for hobbies you enjoy, practice stress management and seek out support when you need it.

Be sure to stay involved in activities that give you a sense of purpose. Whether you’d like to travel abroad, volunteer in your community, learn a new language or spend more time on hobbies, having things to look forward to can make life more rewarding.

The Benefits of Strength Exercises for Older Adults

There are many benefits associated with exercises for older adults, especially strength training. Strength exercise helps you build and maintain muscle mass, making daily tasks like climbing stairs, lifting heavier items and getting out of a chair easier. Strong muscles also support your balance and lower the risk of falls.

You don’t need heavy weights to begin a strength training program. A pair of light dumbbells, resistance bands or bodyweight exercises are all great ways to get started. The key is to begin slowly and choose exercises that meet you at your current fitness level.

How Resistance Training Helps Keep Aging Bodies Active

While strength and resistance training are closely related, the main difference is the focus of the workout. With strength training, the goal is to increase how much force your muscles can produce over time. Resistance training is a much broader term for exercises that make your muscles work against resistance. Strength training is actually one type of resistance training. As you age, it’s important to incorporate both types of training into your exercise routine.

The most appropriate approach to strength and resistance exercises for older adults depends on your personal goals, health concerns and current fitness level. If you’re thinking about embarking on a fitness journey, it’s important to start off slow to minimize your chances of injury. Use a mirror or work with a personal trainer to ensure you’re using proper form. You should also consult with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.