Number-one reason your health deteriorates as you age
They say with age comes wisdom, happiness and experience, but unfortunately, that’s not all it brings. Our health naturally declines as we get older for the simple fact that our immune systems aren’t as strong and we’re more prone to age-related diseases. However, while we can blame some health issues on our age, it’s time to accept some of the responsibility, and surprisingly, a lack of regular exercise is the main reason our health deteriorates with time.
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, just a quarter of adults over the age of 65 get their recommended minimum of 30 minutes of exercise each day. Furthermore, just one in ten of us are doing enough to gain any benefit to our cardiovascular health. This is particularly bad news for ageing Australians, as there are numerous health issues contributed to by inactivity, such as:
- Reduced muscle mass and bone strength
- Lower coordination and balance
- Less flexibility and mobility
- Higher risk of mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety)
- Higher risk of obesity, heart disease and stroke
While exercise is undoubtedly essential for all ages, it should be a priority for over-60s in order to maintain independence in old age, reduce the risk of disease and improve recovery time should we find ourselves sick or injured. Thankfully, it’s never too late to kick yourself into gear.
First things first, you should always consult your doctor before taking on a new exercise regime. You may feel up to the challenge, but if you’re returning to physical activity after years of sedentary behaviour, it’s best to get all the help and advice you can before jumping into anything strenuous. Your GP can also offer you some workout suggestions if you’re unsure where to begin.
Here are some simple tips to help you on your journey towards a better, healthier you.
- Don’t go it alone – Studies show that having someone by your side when exercising (or even just checking up on your progress over the phone) can increase your motivation by 78 per cent.
- Change it up – When it comes to exercise, there’s nothing worse than falling into a rut. Keep your motivation levels high and your body strong by introducing new exercises regularly or increasing the difficulty of your current regime (e.g. going up in weights, repetitions or duration).
- Listen to music – Listening to your favourite music (be it rock, pop or even show tunes) can do wonderful things for your fitness. From the beat to the uplifting lyrics, your feel-good favourites are all the exercise gear you need.
- Do something you love – Hate running? Can’t stand bikes? No problem! There are endless ways to keep yourself fit. Simply try different things until you find the right fit for you – and don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone to get it.
- Be realistic – While it’s important to have goals to work towards, don’t go into your fitness journey expecting to run 10 km, lose 10 kilos and look 10 years younger after a week. Be realistic about what you can achieve – remember, the slower you go, the more likely you are to make it last.
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