Fitness and Aging: The Perfect Pair
May 31st is National Senior Health and Fitness Day! This day can serve as the perfect starting point or a celebration of your continued commitment to your health as we age. Physical activity is important at all ages, but its benefits can be magnified in our active older adult population. The current recommendation is at least 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity 5x’s per week in combination with 2 days per week of strength training for all major muscle groups. Unfortunately, currently less than one third of our senior population meets this recommendation. It’s much simpler than we think… the activity can look a million different ways, and no certain type is more valuable than the next… perhaps you love pickleball, golf, or gardening. All these activities can serve as part of your weekly totals.
Aerobic activity and muscle strengthening are the best tools we can use to prevent health problems and stay independent. Being active doing day to day activities combined with intentional movement has a host of benefits:
- Improves mental health.
- Helps prevent disease like heart disease and diabetes.
- Improves overall immune function (even light activity like walking)
- Improves sleep.
- Decreases the risk of falls by improving flexibility, balance, and coordination.
- Improves cognitive function (lower risk of dementia for active individuals regardless of when you start)
- Social Engagement (decreases loneliness and depression)
It’s time to celebrate your commitment to your health, join us on May 31st (or any other day) and get active! Come try a new aqua fitness class, play pickleball, join a SilverSneakers group fitness class or shoot some basketball in the gym. Whatever gets you moving will help to keep you moving! I hope to see you in class! Reach out if you have any questions about our group fitness classes or if you would like someone to attend one with you!
Anna S., Armbrust YMCA Group Fitness Manager
