These days it seems everyone is younger, with 50 being the new 40, and 60 being the new 50 and so forth. Advances in medical technology and practices in as well as modern lifestyles, means that when people stay healthy and fit, they tend to live much longer than their grandparents and parents did. The UK has seen a dramatic increase in average life expectancy over the past fifty years, and an increasing number of individuals are living into their 90’s and even reach 100 years old. In the UK there are are actually 13,350 centenarians now, which translates to a 73 percent increase over the last ten years.
Although obesity has become practically an epidemic in the 21st century, for individuals who pay close attention to their bodies, eat healthy and watch their weight, it is entirely possible for them to remain active over the entire course of their lives.
Remaining Active Later In Life
When it comes to health and fitness, we are seeing an increase in the number of individuals in their fifties, sixties, seventies and oven older participating on a regular basis in strenuous workouts and activities. When people reach their 40’s they don’t think that it’s time for them to start taking it easy. The older generations instead are remaining quite active, participating in such activities as exercise boot camps, spinning classes, running for long periods of time on a treadmill, or playing physically demanding sports like squash and football.
It all makes a lot of sense. The old saying of “use it or lose it” is definitely applicable to cardiovascular fitness, bone strength and muscles. After we reach the age of 40, we start suffering a decrease in our bone strength as well as our muscle strength. That is why our bones break more easily as we age. By exercising on a regular basis, and especially performing weight bearing exercises, it is possible to slow down the process of losing muscle mass.
Fighting Off Disease
In addition, there is a large volume of evidence that shows that the impact of illness and chronic disease can be reduced through exercise. Exercise helps to reduce blood pressure, keep you heart healthy and improve your immune system. In addition, individuals who exercise on a regular basis have reduced risks for several types of medical conditions, including some types of cancers, osteoporosis, heart disease, obesity, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease.
Exercise also helps you to maintain flexibility and mobility. When you exercise on a regular basis it helps you improve or maintain your flexibility, strength and posture, which will in turn help you with maintaining good coordination and balance. This will then reduce your risk of breaking bones and falling.
When you add in that feel good factor you get form exercising, along with socializing and participating in groups as well as enjoying the outdoor, you can certainly see why exercise and other physical activities should be a top priority for anyone, no matter what their age is.
Pay Attention To Your Body
Like anyone who does physical activity, you do need to take some precautions.
You should consult with your doctor before starting any new fitness program, especially if it’s been a while since you did any strenuous activity. If you have a pre-existing condition, get recommendations on what type of exercise you should do.
– Start out slowly. You can achieve just about anything you want. However, don’t start on any new activity too quickly, since you will just end up ill or injured.
– Build your fitness up gradually, and don’t worry about needing to do an easier form of exercise or taking a break whenever necessary. Your boot camp instructor is available to advise and observe, however if you aren’t sure about doing a specific exercise then ask.
– Set short-term goals for yourself. You will stay motivated that way. If you are just starting to exercise and would like to run a marathon six months from now, you probably won’t be able to achieve that goal. However, if your goal is running in a five kilometer run in one month, that’s a lot more attainable. When you are able to achieve your goal you will feel fantastic.
Just remember, age is not a barrier to fitness.