Age Warrior Call to Battle: Let’s Not Become Burdens!

[This report, “Boomers Doomed to Disability?”, started Sunday.]

Okay, let’s get down to business. If you’re with me on this and don’t want to become one of the growing number of “heavy burdens on families and society” predicted by the Seeman UCLA study, here’s what we have to do.

The first and best advice to avoid disability is to keep your abilities. Duh. I know; it’s easier said than done. As the twinges of arthritis or pain from prior injuries or a bad back, knee, hip … whatever … interfere, it’s all too easy to throw in the towel and think “my days of exercising are over”.

Give in to that thought and you are on the sliding slope to early disability. On the other hand, hang in there and adapt your exercise plan for whatever ails you and I promise, you will:
• Be better able to keep your weight under control;
• Maintain your sense of balance and avoid debilitating falls;
• Maintain the flexibility and range of motion to continue doing for yourself – reaching, bending, kneeling, getting out of bed or a chair or the bathtub;
• Maintain the strength to continue doing for yourself – opening your own jars, carrying your own groceries, opening your own doors;
• Exercise your brain as well as your body;
• Exercise your heart;
• Have a lower stress level and perhaps more upbeat outlook;
• Sleep better; and
• If you exercise with others, maintain social connections.

These are all proven benefits of regular exercise. Not everyone gets them all; but everyone gets most of them if they stick with it long enough. Don’t let the “E” word scare you away. There is some type of movement for everyone.

Browse through our index of articles on exercise for Boomers and Beyond. Then if you still need something to motivate you, read this inspiring story of how dramatically even a little bit of movement can improve your quality of life.

Start where you are and take it slow. Check with your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

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Tags: avoid disability, boomer wake-up call, age-appropriate exercise, anti-aging supplements, drink in moderation, stop smoking, healthy lifestyle choices, quality of life