Keeping fit doesn’t have to be a chore, or carry with it a sense of duty. Fitness can be liberating as you get older, because it contributes to a sense of freedom and an ability to continue to meet life’s challenges head-on.
Health Benefits and Longer Living
Inactivity can be a temptation, and it can quickly become habitual. The NHS estimates that adults over 65 spend on average 10 hours or more sitting or lying down each day. The more inactive you are, the more prone you are to failing health and, ultimately, an early death.
The good news is that if you are regularly active you are likely to have a lower risk of strokes, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, depression and dementia.
Activity also keeps you in touch with people socially. Many fitness activities encourage involvement with others, which is another proven health benefit.
Ultimately, activity keeps you independent and gives you better opportunities to then make the most of your time, doing the things that are important to you.
Active Opportunities
Think of your fitness as an investment opportunity. It’s about finding the activity that’s right for you and, importantly, that you will enjoy.
Joining a gym is one option, but you should consider what this offers you in terms of a range of activities. Classes in tai chi and pilates are great for beginners, because they’re both physically and mentally beneficial, and
socially engaging.
Aerobics and aqua aerobics allow you to exercise at a level that suits you, while improving your flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.
Martial arts, kick-boxing and boxercise classes are more vigorous but are great for more physically challenging activity, and result in improved muscle tone, flexibility and co-ordination.
There are of course more traditional ways of getting, and staying, active, such as jogging and walking, and playing team sports. The key thing is to build activity into your daily routine, but to see it as a pleasure, not a chore.
Make the most of your time: being time-rich gives you increased opportunities; whether this means joining a gym, playing a sport, or going on walks in the countryside.
Get active and take the time for life.
