THIS is a follow-up to last Saturday’s piece.
The inevitable happens and no matter what the precautions, like it or not, we surely age, and its effects – if we don’t take care of our bodies – will assign us to mobility assistance contraptions.
Health experts say that, for mature people, there’s no need to enrol in fitness gyms. As long as day-to-day activities pump the heart and keep us moving, the benefits to the 50-above age group are great. There are lots of household chores to do to keep us busy and we can count the ways.
When we’re active, usually we are in a good mood. Endorphins, a “feel good” chemical, is released within minutes of moving. Thus it gets the fatigue out of our system if we do it regularly. This helps us to fall asleep faster and more soundly.
There will be less stress, so naturally we rise up in the morning recharged. Our cortisol and adrenaline levels (stress hormones) drop. Then we get to be more productive and can get along with people better. In a way, active seniors are much happier than the sedentary types.
Experts say that, for older people, at least 20 minutes of exercise five times a week and aided with the proper diet is the key. It will control our weight. Research also shows that active people who maintain a healthy weight live an average of seven years longer than those who never perspire. I used to tip the scales at 220 pounds but with diet and regular morning walks with my wife, I’m down to 180. Aerobic exercise may not build muscles but it makes metabolism faster. Sometimes, we do short jogs in between our walks to increase intensity. We may be getting old but our bones and muscles do get stronger when we exercise. It helps ward off osteoporosis and protects balance and coordination.
With exercise and a healthy diet comes a healthy heart – and lower chances of cardiovascular diseases. These improve blood cholesterol levels, prevent hypertension and control blood sugar levels. They also lower the risk of several cancers because there is an improved immune system. Experts say cancer patients can have a better quality of life when they exercise.
When we reach 40 years old, metabolism slows down and we burn less calories. Even at rest, we burn calories and resting metabolic rate is higher in people with muscles. A pound of muscle uses 6 calories daily to sustain itself compared to a pound of fat burning 2 calories. Over time, the minimal difference accumulates. We don’t have to be the Schwarzenegger types. Experts say simple weight bearing chores like carrying grocery bags activates the muscles, raising our average daily metabolic rates.
December is just around the corner and the tsunami of parties and celebrations are coming our way. It would be nice to show up at one of these gatherings looking fit and trim. The decision will then be ours if we go binge and be ravenous. Then the cycle of resolutions to slim down by New Year begins – again./PN
