Older adults discovering rewards of an active lifestyle

More and more older adults are embracing the benefits of an active lifestyle. It seems that they have discovered that exercise and eating right can help blur the lines between 40 and 50, or between 50 and 60. Aging is suddenly not what it used to be.

Thanks to all the recent interest and research on aging, we're learning the secrets that can help us age better. Though the fountain of youth has yet to be discovered, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can not only make us look younger, but feel younger as well.

It used to be that 50 was considered "over the hill." Today that couldn't be further from the truth. Many older adults, especially in an area like Sandpoint, participate in outdoor activities as much as, if not more than their twenty-something counterparts. Perhaps they finally have the time to learn how to kayak or golf, or have developed an interest in the relaxing and strengthening benefits of Pilates or yoga.

Not too long ago, people associated aging with the developing of physical problems and illnesses. But today we know that regular physical activity can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, even dementia and tooth decay, just to name a few. It also places a new twist on how we view the aging process.

But do older adults reap the same benefits from exercise as they did in years past? Yes, actually more according to Jody Thoreson, director of Cardiac Rehab at Bonner General Hospital. In fact, older men and women show equal or greater gains after strength training when compared to their younger counterpart. Similarly, older adults experience the same increase in cardiovascular function after exercise as younger people. Regular exercise also can prevent physical decline as we age and even reverse common problems associated with aging.

Health experts are starting to assess individuals on their "physical age", rather than just their chronological age. Your physical age is determined by a number of factors, including how fit you are, how active your lifestyle and your overall health. This means that an individual who is 63 years old and who has taken care of their body may be the same physical age as someone who is 50.

So you may be wondering, "How do I get started reversing my aging process?" Well, simply put, gradually increase your exercise. If you need some help the Adult Exercise program at Bonner General Hospital may be just what you're looking for. The goals of the program are to increase your strength, balance, flexibility and endurance. It is designed to teach you safe exercise practices and counter the effects of conditions such as: osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer recovery, and asthma. The program includes an individual health assessment, a balance and posture evaluation, and a personalized work out plan followed by exercise every Tuesday and Thursday. Registered nurses supervise the classes and monitor blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen if necessary. To enroll or for more information on the Adult Exercise program at BGH call Jody at 265-7480.

Years of inactivity can be counteracted by starting new habits. 2007 just might be your year to start. An active lifestyle can help you find joy in your life and put a spring in your step. Not to mention making you look and feel ten years younger. The benefits and fun of physical activity are right outside your door. Now that you have the time, get out there and enjoy it!