Senior Sunrise

Just because older adults may be frail or tire easily doesn’t mean they shouldn’t do regular exercise. Studies shoe that people who adhere to a program of physical activity show greater improvement in physical functioning than those who are sedentary. To be safe, seniors should ask their doctors about what kinds of exercise will benefit them and what kinds they should avoid based on their conditions. Anyone who is not active already should begin any exercise program slowly.

Be sure to wear loose, comfortable clothing and well-fitting shoes while exercising. Shoes should have good arch support and a cushioned heel to absorb shock. Start with exercises that you are already comfortable doing, and don’t overdo it. The saying “no pain, no gain” does not apply to exercise for the elderly – starting slowly will lower your chances of becoming injured. Walking is a great activity to start with, and you can increase the intensity as you become used to exercising. Swimming is also a good low-impact activity. Combine this aerobic activity with resistance or strength training with one to five-pound weights a few times a week for maximum benefits.

If you or a loved one has a terminal illness, you may be thinking about everything you should do before you pass away. It can be difficult to prioritize, especially since there are probably many things you want to do and take care of. Some may be practical steps to make things easily for your family after your death, while others may be personal steps to put your mind and heart at ease. Or you may have no idea what to do if you are paralyzed by fear of death.

Some of the practical things you will want to do when preparing for death are making sure that your will is up to date and specifying your funeral wishes. Write them down so that there are no arguments or indecision amongst your family members after your death. Also, make available all information regarding any bank accounts and the locations of safety deposit boxes. Make a list of all relatives, friends and associates who should be notified of your death. As for personal things to put your mind and heart at ease, you may want to take time to reconcile with any family or friends that you have been out of touch with. Empty your heart of hurts and disappointments. Forgive and forget old grudges. Take time to smile, sing, give a helping hand and a word of encouragement. You will feel much better about the conclusion of your life if you take steps like these to find peace.

As the body ages, it undergoes a series of degenerative changes. Lack of physical exercise can lead to muscular atrophy, in which muscles shrink and weaken from disuse. It’s also crucial for seniors to maintain healthy circulation by keeping their cardiovascular systems in tip-top shape. The National Institutes of Health recommend four general types of senior citizen exercises that greatly benefit active adults.

Stretching exercises increase freedom of movement and reduce the likelihood of joint pain. Endurance routines such as walking, biking and swimming keep the heart pumping at a healthy pace. Strength exercises improve metabolism and build muscles. Lastly, balance routines decrease the odds of suffering from a broken hip – one of the most dangerous risks faced by the elderly.