Let Small Bits of Exercise Support Good Health
By Tom Herrin
Even though people know that exercise is a good thing, many do everything they can to avoid it. In a sense, it seems to be a case of somewhat of mixed signals. How is it possible to get exercise and avoid doing anything at the same time? While it is obviously not possible, logic does not always prevail when it comes to changing anything in the daily routine. Too many times, people feel that they need to make major changes in the way they live in order to get good results. That is not the case at all. Those changes can often work the real miracles. The point is to find some way to do a little more and stay with it.
Retiring Does Not Mean Doing Nothing
It is unfortunate that so many people look forward to a retirement in which they can just do nothing. This sounds pretty miserable. Those who truly retire would be far better served if they would make more time in their schedule to be active. Activity is usually the key to a better lifestyle as people age. It is believed that among those 65 and over, fewer than 20 percent get the amount of exercise that is recommended. For the most part, that is only 2 1/2 hours per week. This is not heavy exercise but mostly moderate. A little exertion in the right way may make a difference.
How Can Exercise Help Older People?
There is rarely a time in life when people have no need for exercise. Just doing the bare minimum may help the body work well and avoid several health issues. Those 2 1/2 hours may help to reduce heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. This could help to improve the quality of life for only a small amount of activity.
It May Be Easier Than You Realize
Exercise is a critical way to balance our health. I am well aware of how easy it is to come inside and crash, but there are much better things to do. I know that when I stay active, I feel better and am more able to move around. I try to find little ways to be more active. Taking a walk to the corner store instead of driving, making more trips to the car when unloading something, or just walking around the yard picking things up can provide more exercise than we may realize. Taking stairs can be great. Going for a brisk walk always helps me to move better and feel more alert. Look for those opportunities to do a little more and make life a little better.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Newnan, Ga.