Staying Fit As You Get Older

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Unfortunately, no one can escape aging. As we grow old, our organs slowly lose function and we may find it harder to perform the daily activities we used to do with ease. It also doesn’t help that we tend to adopt bad physical habits as we get older. According to an article on Bicycling.com, sedentary behavior usually increases as one ages. To combat this, we should make it a habit to stay active, even as we age. By keeping our bodies in top shape, we can reduce the signs of aging, as well as lower our risk for nasty illnesses such as heart disease and dementia.

In this post, we list down some tips that can help you stay fit as you get older.

Set clear goals

You shouldn’t exercise just for the sake of exercising. Today, most people are hooked into fitness by short-term motivation, guilt, and shame. This forces people into an unsustainable fitness regimen that they’re unable to maintain. To make sure that you stay fit as you age, it’s important to set clear goals ⁠— whether it’s as monumental as finishing a marathon or as simple as improving your flexibility. By having clear goals, you can find it easier to prioritize fitness, no matter your age.

Buy the right gear

As we’ve discussed, it’s easier to fall into a sedentary lifestyle as you grow older? In our post ‘Tips for the Ideal Gym Gear for Women’, we highlight how a successful fitness routine needs the right attire ⁠— clothes that allow you to remain flexible and breathe without difficulty. By investing in workout gear that’ll last you a lifetime, you’ll stay motivated to keep fit as you age.

Find a fitness routine you enjoy

Your capacity for physical activity evolves as you mature. For this reason, it’s key that you find a fitness routine or activity that you enjoy and are capable of doing. If you can take on grueling and high-intensity activities, don’t be afraid to explore your options and get adventurous by going bouldering or cross country running. But if your body doesn’t allow for taxing physical activities, Empower Your Wellness notes that you should choose low-impact exercises such as yoga or step aerobics.

See a medical professional

Regardless of your age, it’s important to check in with a medical professional to better understand your body. This tip is especially crucial when you have chronic health issues, an ongoing medical condition, or have breached your fifties. Health professionals such as doctors, nutritionists, and even physical therapists can help steer you in the right direction and give you sage advice when it comes to staying fit and keeping your body healthy.

Once you reach 65 years old, KelseyCare Advantage notes that it’s much easier to access the above medical professionals with Medicare. Original Medicare can cover the costs of your annual visits, as well as programs that support your physical health, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, and chiropractic care.

By making sure that your fitness journey is overseen by medical professionals, you can maximize the health benefits you gain and keep your body in tip-top shape.

By following the tips we’ve listed above, you can stay healthy and fit long beyond your golden years. For more insightful health and fitness posts, do check our articles here on Lolo.