We are all aging, no matter what decade of life we are currently in. Thus, a more important question is: Are you aging well? It is far too easy to overly fixate on how our bodies are changing in terms of appearance and mobility. However, it is wiser to focus on the activities we can still participate in that bring us joy.
Use the ideas below as a guide for how to stay fit throughout the later adult stages of life:
40s: Beginning to stretch regularly is a smart move if it has not been a regular habit before turning 40. Pilates, yoga and Tai Chi can help strengthen joints, plus maintain muscle elasticity — especially in the abs, glutes and upper back. Also, for women who have given birth, movements that engage the pelvic floor can decrease the likelihood of experiencing urinary incontinence in the years ahead.
50s: Gardening helps to maintain hand dexterity through actions such as weeding, pruning and seed planting. If you are starting to experience lower back pain, consider using a raised bed for any flowers or vegetables you may be interested in growing.
60s: As many people start cutting back on work hours — or retire fully — after the age of 60, you may now have more free time. This makes aquatic exercise a more viable fitness option when you can make it to a water aerobics class two to three days a week. Or, pop into the local pool during an open swim period to do 15-25 laps.
70s: Try to pair physical workouts with tasks that have the potential to boost your mental fitness. For example, birdwatching often involves walking at a leisurely pace while keeping your brain active by trying to identify different species via sight and sound. The same goes for foraging for wild mushrooms and other native plants during strolls along nature trails or in wooded areas.
80s+: Prioritize functional strength training because this is the type of exercise that most mimics repetitive daily movements like putting away groceries, unloading the dishwasher and getting dressed. In addition, consider using common household items such as books, canned goods and bottles of water (instead of dumbbells) while walking around the room, doing arm exercises in a chair or holding your balance on one leg.
Remember: A little can go a long way in helping us all retain the ability to live independently long-term. The same is true for having gratitude for life’s simple pleasures, like good music. So, if there is a jazzy (*think upbeat*) song you recommend adding to a workout playlist this June, please put the title in the comments box below.
Hope you all are savoring these summer days so far as much as I am!
~Rachel
