National Senior Health and Fitness Day is celebrated on May 27 and was created to promote the benefits of physical activity for seniors.
Resiliency Through Senior Health And Fitness
I talked last week about the two types of fitness and seniors need to look at both of these health areas. I have some great role models when it comes to being active. My parents learned how to swim when I was around 10 years old. I remember when they took up curling and baseball around this time as well. They didn’t have the opportunity to learn these things when they were growing up, but they took the initiative to learn as an adult. I loved how they didn’t let their fear of embarrassment get in the way. I started karate classes in my 40’s where I was the oldest female in our dojo surrounded mostly by men and kids.
Seniors Health and Fitness
Now, neither myself or my parents where seniors when they started these new activities, however, I am proud to say that my mom still curled and played baseball into her late 60’s. There was even a gentleman in his late 80’s who was still curling in her league. Unfortunately, years of being a dairy farmer had taken their toll on my dad and his legs just wouldn’t let him participate anymore.
There are some great opportunities to get involved in fitness activities – many with social benefits as well. Free activities such as mall walking were a safe and social way to increase your daily step count. But how about now during the time of social distancing? There are dance lessons on-line, pole walking groups who talk on their phones while maintaining social distancing. Even gardening is a form of physical activity.
Beverly’s Hot Tips For Building Resiliency and Promoting National Senior Health And Fitness Day:
- Find an activity that you can get excited about. If running or walking alone bore you – talk with others while walking
- Look for opportunities to learn while you exercise – I hate monotony – so participating in karate has been great – it is complicated, never the same
- Experiment – try something outside your comfort zone – you never know if it will be the spark that you are looking for – Maybe it will bollywood dancing or yoga – there are many free on-line or on-tv classes that you can join
- Age is never a barrier – almost all activities can be modified – so put away the excuses and try something
As we age it is important that we make the time to take care of ourselves. Make the commitment to do one thing to increase your health-related fitness.
If you have some strategies to share – comment on this posting!
Additional Resources:
National Handwashing Awareness Week
National Relaxation Day – August 15