Tag Archives: fall prevention

September has arrived and I’m ready for summer to be over! One of the best things about cooler weather is that it encourages me to be more active outdoors.

It’s no secret that middle age ushers in physical changes to the body, many unwelcomed. I’ve already had to address elevated cholesterol levels and I just turned 50. Fitness is something that I’ve taken for granted, because for most of my life, walking has been part of my daily routine. It still is, but the only downside in working from home is that my built-in exercise of walking to and from work has been eliminated. I walk my senior dog twice a day, but while our slow meanders around the block are good for my emotional well-being, they don’t offer the same physical benefits.

Good physical health as one ages isn’t just about weight, though you may have noticed that as you get older, it’s harder to lose a few extra pounds. Staying active can help reduce the risk of dementia, as well. Health.gov has an initiative called “Move Your Way” which encourages one to engage in physical activity they enjoy. Instead of forcing yourself to the gym if that’s not your cup of tea, take a walk in nature, or a dance class. I like this approach as it makes being active more accessible to everyone.

For me, yardwork is an effective, whole body workout that offers a mix of cardio, strength, and flexibility training. Don’t overlook the power of household chores! Sweeping, mopping, scrubbing, etc. all count as physical activity. Aim for a healthy mix of exercise that will help you maintain a healthy weight, as well as muscle strength, flexibility, and balance to prevent falls. The key is to find physical activity that you enjoy, so you’ll have an incentive to make it part of your health routine.

Image courtesy of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.