Progression into older age doesn’t signal an end to physical activity. In fact, the more an individual focuses on exercise as they age, the less likely they’ll be to experience a serious injury when a fall or some other type of problem does occur. There’s certainly something to be said for slowing down a little bit when one reaches a certain age, but that doesn’t mean a completely sedentary lifestyle.
A new report explores this in greater depth, offering insights into the ways that older individuals can protect themselves from harm. The tips arrive from the School of Nursing at St. Louis University, and they speak to a common dilemma: becoming so afraid of falling that you do nothing at all. In fact, doing nothing actually makes things more risky, as you won’t achieve the type of body health that allows you to bounce back from a fall-based injury.
That said, it behooves anyone who’s physically capable of being active to be so. If you can get out of your house once or twice a day and take a walk around the block, then you should most certainly do this. If you need assistance in the form of a walking companion or something like a cane to prop you up, then so be it. The act of walking even with a cane or a walker will still promote good health. When you set out on such a walk, make sure the surface you take is free of clutter or excessive wear and tear in the form of potholes or divots. Wear a good pair of tennis shoes that can reduce injury risks.
Walking doesn’t even have to be the only exercise that you explore. When most people think of weight training, they may think of bulky individuals bench-pressing and engaging in rather painful-looking exercises. In fact, even minimal weight training can be beneficial for your longterm health. Invest in a set of hand weights that you lift on a near-daily basis. Ankle weights are also a great investment, and they can be used without you having to even get out of a chair.
One of the reasons that an individual may elect not to engage in exercise is a worry about balance. Balance issues can develop over the course of time, but rather than think such issues are natural, you might speak to a doctor about the condition. There could be an underlying medical issue, and if possible to treat, you could set yourself up with a platform with which to start exercise anew.
Finally, make your interior environment as safe as you can. Remove tripping hazards from your space and increase lighting so as to boost visibility. In this way, you’ll encourage yourself to get up and about more often and get the exercise you need for a healthy lifestyle.
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