Changes in aging related to inactivity

In recent years, scientists have found that many of the physical changes that used to be associated with aging are actually related to inactivity.

Stay Active After Retirement

There are two keys to fitness in the older adult years. The first rule is to do something you like, or can at least tolerate. The second is to start low and go slow.

Physical activity 30 minutes a day, will yield many health benefits.

Keep in Touch

Stay in touch with people you know and get exposed to a variety of viewpoints. Clubs, organizations, classes, volunteer or part-time work can all do this for you.

It's all right to sit in a rocking chair at the end of the day, after a long active day. That gives better enjoyment.

Stress

Most people don't think about stress being a part of older adulthood. Older adults are supposed to be able to take it easy and relax. But you may get stress from any of the following:

Financial problems,

Family problems,

Health and disability problems,

"Red-tape" problems from dealing with government agencies,

Housing problems, Grief or loss, and

Retirement.

Older adults often feel less and less in control of their environment. It is important to realize that even good, positive changes can lead to feeling less stressed.

Yet, many people don't know what to do once they have reached a goal and don't have any thing else to pursue. Retirement can contribute a large factor to the feeling of "Now what?"

Long-term stress can have negative effects on your physical health. It can lead to sleep problems, tense muscles, and other health problems. It can continue to high blood pressure and heart disease. Some techniques for dealing with stress include:

Regular exercise,

Meditation and deep breathing,

Hobbies, Massages,

Hot baths or spas,

Listening to music or other relaxation tapes,

Self-hypnosis,

A good social life,

Volunteering time to help others,

Counseling, therapy or support groups, or

Stopping or cutting down on alcohol and nicotine.

There are many books, tapes, and videos that can help learn how to deal with stress. Several different techniques may be tried before the right one for you is found.

Don't let stress spoil your golden years.