New Year’s Resolutions
So, how are those New Year’s resolutions treating you? It has been a month now since New Year’s day; the typical start of a New Year’s resolution. Are you still with it? Have you given up already? If so, you are not alone. Many, many New Year’s resolutions go unfulfilled or broken shortly into the new year. In fact, it has been reported that about 70% of people that make New Year’s resolutions give up on them before the end of January!!
Lose Weight/Exercise
Losing weight and/or exercising is among the most popular New Year’s resolutions. And it is a good one. Especially for those of us that all of a sudden find ourselves in that ………. age group! Ok, I’ll admit it. I received my AARP letter last month!! So, even though I exercise regularly, the big “Five-O” has me especially interested in this as a New Year’s resolution; and one I intend to stay committed to.
Science Daily recently posted an article entitled “Physical Activity Associated With Healthier Aging: Links Between Exercise and Cognitive Function, Bone Density and Overall Health.” Check out this article; Click Here .
So, the benefits of exercise and physical activity are well documented for any age group. They improve physical, mental and social functioning, enhance the quality of life and increase longevity. The hardest part; getting started. Here are some tips:
- Get your doctor’s clearance before starting an exercise program - especially if you have a preexisting medical condition like, diabetes, arthritis, osteoporisis, hypertension or cardiovascular disease, heart condition or irregular heart beat, chest pain during physical exersion, severe shortness of breath, blood clot, cancer, etc.
- Start slow - work up to the recommended 30 minutes a day of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week.
- Get support – consider an exercise buddy or group activity – it is easier doing something if others are there to support you and you, them.
- Enjoy yourself – find something you enjoy doing and do it.
I know that not all of our members are seniors, but if you are a senior and interested in an excellent guide for beginning an exercise or physical activity click here. This book is published by the National Institute on Aging. You can even order a hard-copy directly from the website; FREE. It contains great information, sample exercises for strength, endurance, balance and flexibility – the four core elements of physical activity.
So, Get ready…Set…Go!! Get out there and get active!
Walk Right Into It…
Consider walking. Walking is a great way to start exercising again if you have been inactive for some time. It requires no special equipment; aside from a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. Can be done in many places; from a shopping mall to hiking trails. More importantly – we all know how to do it! Remember to start slow. Start a walking club in your neighborhood or with other members. Maybe we can generate enough interest to begin a national Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association walking club and we can all support each other in our efforts. Comment on this blog if you are interested, including a suggested name for our club! After all, Woodmen of the World and/or Assured Life Association Walking Club is just too long…
