Active Seniors Enjoy Life More
Not far from MagicKitchen.com headquarters in California, a group of about 40 seniors (age 55 and older) took a trip through the Granite Chief Wilderness in late June. But they weren’t on a guided tour, and the trip took more than just a few hours.
They laced up their running shoes, stocked up on water and healthy snacks, and headed into the mountains for the Western States 100-Mile Endurance Run. If you haven’t heard of this event, it’s considered the Boston Marathon of races longer than the 26.2-mile marathon distance. After months of training, healthy eating, and an active lifestyle, these senior runners cross the finished line in under 30 hours to claim their prize, a sparkling and coveted hand-crafted belt buckle.
You may not be planning to run a marathon or take off on a 100-mile journey through the mountains. But research shows that seniors who are active get more out of life, according to the American Council on Exercise. Being active helps control blood pressure, aids in weight management, lowers cholesterol, and prevents arthrosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Exercise also helps strengthen your heart, lungs and muscles, improves mobility, and helps manage pain associated with conditions like diabetes and arthritis. Some studies even suggest exercise helps prevent certain types of cancer.
So how much should you exercise? The American College of Sports Medicine recommends getting 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, along with two days of strength training. Here are some ways you can be more active:
- Take a walk
- Work in the garden
- Play a sport (tennis, basketball, volleyball)
- Go for a hike
- Swim laps in a pool
Participate in a group exercise class- Ride a bike
- Try yoga, tai chi, or pilates
- Take dance class
Being active helps reduce your risk for a long list of preventable diseases. Exercise also helps improve your mood and your quality of life. Combine an active lifestyle with healthy eating with MagicKitchen.com meals for seniors, and you’ll be happier and live longer.
Here are some other articles you may enjoy:
A Glass of Wine a Day is Healthy, But Only If You Exercise, Too
Seniors – Live Longer by Following the Mediterranean Diet
You must be logged in to post a comment.