subject: How Is Your Exercise Attitude Now That You Are Getting Older? [print this page] It is an old myth that we entertain that the older you get the less you need to exercise. This myth seems to justify the misconception that encourages older people to not be as active and strong as they could be.
Mere movement or 'any exercise is good enough' or 'anything is better than nothing' are a common mindset amongst older people. It is as if somehow their own self care in the way of strength and fitness is not their responsibility
While we may know about the importance of exercise in regards to watching our weight, our disease risk, muscle and bone strength, and arthritis do we really know how best to prepare ourselves for daily life as we get older? Chances are no.
Strength and fitness is an option for young people, but as we get older is becomes a non negotiable necessity. There should be no such thing as "I don't like exercise" or "exercise is not for me". Yet a reported 60 percent of those over 45 do no regular exercise.
There are many negative attitudes which are proving to be a major barrier for older adults in regards to proper exercise. Some of them are that older people:
believe that their need for activity decreases and eventually disappears the older they become
greatly exaggerate the risks involved in vigorous activity after mid-life
overestimate the benefits of low intensity, light and infrequent activity such as walking, household chores or gardening
undervalue and underrate their physical ability and capacity
Illness and poor health is not a predicable consequence of the aging process. This is so much evidence that much can be done in the way of self help care and prevention to delay the onset of chronic diseases and physical functional limitations that plague inactive and sedentary adults of all ages.
Even much can be done if these health issues strike. There is not a single medical condition that becoming stronger and fitter will not help yet somehow so many people do not want to acknowledge this. Which is all very well and fine, but who is supposed to pick up the pieces of a broken down human being - family...friends...community...the world?
To change these old beliefs there must be a call to action - a proper exercise program containing mostly strength training exercise for increasing strength and improving mobility and combating frailty and disability. It is key for remaining active, independent and self-sufficient. Research has shown over and over again the fitness and health benefits of strength training for older adults.
And the good part is it is never too late to turn back the clock with this powerful age eraser. Strength training exercise can improve the quality of your life at any age even if you have an illness or health issue and may well save your life.
It is not normal to get weak, sick and feeble as we get older, this is the truth. Inactivity is the culprit not how many candles you have on your birthday cake. And you are so lucky, your parents and especially your grandparents did not have access to the new research that proves these things and they were not available to previous generations.
So, if you need to give yourself a good talking too, ditch your old familiar ideas, change your attitude, embrace this new wonderful information and grab yourself a longer and better life.
