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Seniors becoming a fitness force

Snowshoeing, biking, kayaking – what’s with some of these older people nowadays?

Snowshoeing, biking, kayaking – what’s with some of these older people nowadays? If they’re not out jogging in packs or cross-country skiing, they’re whipping along on their 27-speed hybrid comfort bikes or “nordic walking” with those darned ski poles.

Go to the community centre and they’re either playing pickle ball or in the pool taking part in some aqua-fit program. You can’t go anywhere without having to dodge some senior trying to keep fit. I don’t get it. I get out of breath just trying to cut my lawn with a power mower, never mind shovelling the darned sidewalk. As far as I’m concerned there’s too much snow, I don’t like the cold and winter is too long.

What ever happened to growing old gracefully, with some dignity, doing things like reminiscing about the good-old days or knitting slipper-socks? It seems like every time you turn around there is some new, keep-fit activity for seniors being advertised in the local newspapers or being promoted by groups like the Canadian Heart and Stroke Association or Cancer Society. Yoga for seniors, dance classes, Tai Chi. Where is it going to end?

The other day I read an article about some guy in his nineties that plays hockey several times a week. Mind you, I don’t know how fast-paced the games are because most of his teammates are in their seventies and eighties. My point is, more and more so-called older people are taking part in more and more activities and programs designed to keep them active, healthy and happy. It’s hard to keep up – no pun intended.

On the other hand, regular physical activity is one of the most important things a person can do for their health.

Regular exercise can help prevent many of the health problems that come with old age. Medical research has shown that, no matter what your age, you can gain significant improvements in strength, range of motion, balance, bone density and mental clarity through a routine of regular exercise. Studies have also shown that exercise can help reduce the risk of numerous diseases and health conditions, including cancer, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, dementia and depression.

The goal of an exercise routine, especially in one’s later years, should be the same as for all those young people you see out trying to get ahead of the old fogies – strength, cardiovascular health, flexibility and balance.

The trick, though, to any exercise program is to be not only realistic but also smart about it. A preventable injury can put an older person out of commission for a lot longer than when they were younger.

No matter how old or young you are, proper form and technique are key to avoiding injury. Always avoid the temptation to overdo things in terms of both workout length and intensity.

Exercise can quite literally add years onto your life. Exercising increases your metabolism, which helps keep your weight and blood sugar in check, and certain types of exercise also helps build and maintain your muscles, which in turn helps maintain balance which helps to prevent falls.

While exercise can sometimes be a test of both strength and will, it should not be seen as a chore – with the possible exception of shovelling the side walk.

After all, the whole point of exercising should be about enjoying life rather than simply maintaining it. So if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them. Anyone want to go snowshoing?