What does a former ballet and dance instructor like myself
do for exercise in her
elderly
years––I’m now in my seventies? It’s important to keep active, but remain
sensitive to your body and its new limitations
as you age. This means not overdoing
on exercise machines or aggravating old injuries or causing new ones. There are
many possibilities, limited only by your physical condition. You need to do
something daily, anything
physical. Housework counts––scrubbing tubs, vacuuming, mopping the floor and
changing bed linens are boring activities that can provide needed exercise. How
about shopping for groceries and daily small walks?
It’s
so important to push yourself a little, all in moderation to KEEP ACTIVE.
Finding myself in a
seated arthritis
class has been a challenge, but also an opportunity as I’ve discovered
new muscles not used in years as I exercise and lift weights with others. It’s
the process of putting
pride
aside for the necessity of some kind of regular activity now that dancing is
just a memory. For a while I was enjoying walking and water aerobics until my
knee started complaining. To push on through the pain was an option, but not a
wise one. So, I switched activities and changed exercising to a seated
arthritis class which though it looks easy gives me ample opportunity for strengthening
all parts of my body with balancing, stretching, isometrics and lifting hand
weights. Doing it regularly three times a week with other individuals my age to
recorded soft music in our spacious community exercise room is enjoyable. I
feel stronger and more energetic exercising under the leadership of my 83 year
old instructor who sets a good
example
for us aging adults with her
can do
attitude.
Some
in the class come with canes and participate as actively as they can. I live in
a retirement community where there are many in their golden years trying to
maintain some level of fitness. I’ve been able to add walking back into my
daily routine, early during the summer months or later during the cooler
months. I’ve discovered that your body is the most prized and important
possession for enjoying your retirement years, keeping it in the best condition
that you can: eating healthy foods and taking care of your medical conditions:
high blood pressure, weight control, etc. through regular doctor visits,
exercising, and adjusting your attitude is needed. NEXT TIME: Attitude
Adjustments