For those who are getting to the later years in life, it can often become suddenly clear how important exercise is. No matter what age you are, exercise is hugely beneficial. If you feel you are not getting enough of it in your daily life, you are by no means alone. The majority of people do not exercise as much as they really need to. For the elderly, however, it can be particularly difficult. There are all sorts of myths surrounding exercise and the elderly. The fact is, it is just as important that the elderly find ways to stay fit and active and anyone else. Nor is it the case that you should avoid it or ‘save your strength’. In this post, we will look at some of the key factors in staying fit when you are getting older. Let’s take a look at how to remain active, regardless of your age.
Stay Active, Without Forcing Yourself
Ultimately, the trick to getting this right is balance. As long as you balance it out properly, you will find that you can be as active as you like, without constraint. The trick is to know your limits. Most people think that when they start to experience discomfort they should stop. But nothing could be further from the truth. If you want your exercise to really have a positive and lasting effect, you need to carry on past that stage. That doesn’t mean causing yourself pain, however, that is no good either. You should be aiming for a level of activity which feels like a challenge, but does not cause any pain. That way, you can be sure that you are being as active as you need to be.
Watch Your Living Arrangements
It is often the case that the elderly find themselves in a situation where they are not encouraged to exercise. If your lifestyle is such that you find exercise to be difficult to do, or even impossible, then it might be time for a change. There are many alternative types of living arrangement which can make a huge difference to your activity levels. It might be that going for an assisted living situation might suit you best, for example. Often, those types of places are better at encouraging you to be as active as possible. Or it could be that moving in with a family member is all you need. Whatever it is, feel brave enough to make any changes which might be necessary.
Experiment With Mindfulness
One of the major obstacles to people exercising properly is the discomfort it can bring. Usually, the common response to this discomfort is to ignore it altogether. Most people try to mentally take themselves out of the body to avoid the feeling. However, it is really a myth that this makes you feel better. What is much more beneficial all round is developing some mindfulness. If you do that, you will find that you are more and more able to go into the body and really experience the discomfort. Ultimately, this is the best way to ensure that you get the most out of your exercise regime.