Seniors turn out in droves for social events and community meals, but they can’t seem to make it to the Senior Center exercise classes. Good classes end up being cancelled because not enough people sign up to make the cost of hiring qualified instructors worthwhile. Seniors, it seems, don’t like to exercise.
It could be because you grew up in an age when women didn’t want big muscles and men got enough exercise plowing the fields, but we know better than that now.
It’s a known fact that people are living longer. Without the benefit of a healthier lifestyle you could spend more years in a semi-disabled state. Obviously this isn’t what you want. What if a simple exercise program could decrease pain and disability, make your heart work better, and make your muscles stronger?
It’s hard to think about this when your back hurts, your knees creak, and your energy level is at rock bottom, but what if you are already teetering on the edge:
• Your stamina isn’t what it used to be. You tire or get out of breath easily. You gain weigh in all the wrong places and yes, you really are shrinking.
• You’ve lost some flexibility, you are stiff and sore all over, and poor balance puts you at a risk for falls.
• Medical problems creep up on you. Nearly 2/3 of people over 65 have at least one condition that requires medication or special care.
The good news is that none of these changes mean that the end is near. A healthy lifestyle can delay these inconveniences, or enable you to live with them, for a very long time. See your doctor, make a plan, and drop in and check out a class or two. You will be glad you did.
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