Let's Get Moving: 5 Ways to Stay Active and Thriving After 50
Show Notes:
Valerie discusses the importance of staying active as we age and provides practical strategies to incorporate movement into our daily routines. She emphasizes that our bodies were designed to move and that sitting all day can have negative effects on our physical and mental health. Valerie encourages listeners to understand the benefits of movement and to create a morning movement routine tailored to their preferences. She also suggests exploring age-appropriate physical activities, such as swimming or walking programs and highlights the importance of social connections through activity. Valerie advises setting achievable goals and tracking progress using devices like Fitbit or journaling. She concludes by offering a lightning round of easy-to-adopt actions, including incorporating movement during television time and maximizing daily routines.
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the podcast episode
01:15 Importance of movement and the negative effects of sitting all day
04:38 Incorporating movement into daily routines
07:11 Exploring age-appropriate physical activities
09:40 Creating social connections through activity
10:28 Setting achievable goals and tracking progress
12:26 Lightning round of easy-to-adopt actions for staying active
14:59 Conclusion and final thoughts
0:15:16 Closing remarks and call to action
Key Takeaways:
- Lack of physical activity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality.
- Sitting all day can lead to muscle loss, joint stiffness, and decreased heart and lung function.
- Incorporating movement into daily routines, such as morning stretches or dancing, can have a positive impact on overall health.
- Exploring age-appropriate physical activities, like swimming or walking programs, can help maintain fitness and build social connections.
- Setting achievable goals and tracking progress can provide motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
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* Email at hello@agingwithgraceandstyle.com
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Transcript
0:00:31 Valerie Ready for today's episode? Then let's go. Remember the days when climbing stairs was as effortless as breathing? I sure do. But as I've grown older, I've noticed it's just not the same. And I'm not alone. According to the World Health Organization, lack of physical activity is the fourth leading risk factor for global mortality. Staying active as we age isn't just about fitness. It's also about embracing a lifestyle that celebrates movement.
::0:01:59 Valerie Plus, there's a mental toll, increased risk of depression, mood swings, and cognitive decline. I can truly attest to this. So several years ago, I went from working at home full time, where I was very active, to going back to the office, which was about a 75-minute drive each way depending on traffic. And then once I got there, I was very sedentary all day. So in essence, I went from sitting in the car to sitting at my desk back to sitting in the car.
::0:03:13 Valerie It's by Chris Crowley and Henry S. Lodge, MD. Their research paints a vivid picture on how staying active is quite literally a fountain of youth. This book is a total eye-opener. It goes beyond the physical benefits of staying active, diving into the profound positive impacts on the brain, mood, and overall longevity. The other day I was watching Days of Our Lives and Dick Van Dyke is on there. First of all, yes, I do still watch this one soap.
::0:04:38 Valerie The smallest shifts can have profound impacts. Many cultures emphasize starting the day with movement. For instance, in various parts of the world, people have morning routines that incorporate physical exercises from simple stretches to more vigorous activities. This not only helps kickstart the metabolism but also sets a positive tone for the day. Whether it's a series of morning stretches, a short yoga routine, or even just a few minutes of dancing to your favorite song, building in a movement ritual can make a big difference.
::0:05:54 Valerie There's also a free app called Stand Up. It's designed to remind you to do just that. To stand up. Setting reminders to stand, stretch, or even just take a deep breath can make a world of difference in your daily energy levels and your health. After my hip replacement surgery, I knew that I could not go back to a sedentary workday. So while I have a stand desk at my office, I'm seldom there. So I purchased a stand desk for home.
::0:07:11 Valerie Don't be discouraged. There are other things you can do. Use this as an opportunity to explore new avenues. What about swimming? Swimming is an excellent full-body workout that's easy on the joints. After my hip replacement surgery, my doctor told me that riding a stationary bike is also excellent for your joints. And we all know that walking is great, be it indoors, on a treadmill, out in your neighborhood, or even mall. Walking programs like Silver Sneakers offer classes designed specifically for seniors, from yoga to strength training.
::0:08:22 Valerie Today, I think I'm at that age by far where I could join, and that might be a good option when I retire. I recently stumbled upon an article on ESPN about the Splash Sisters. They are a squad of basketball players aged 80 and older. Can you imagine playing basketball at 80? Girl I can't imagine doing it at 61. These ladies remind us that age is merely a mindset when it comes to activity. Passion and enthusiasm are key.
::0:09:40 Valerie I recently talked about this in my Staying Motivated episode. And I'll say it again there is something about working out with people at times. If you're a gym goer, then that's a good place to meet workout buddies. Over the years, I've made several friends at the gym. Maybe your church has a walking group or other fitness classes. It's worth exploring if you're looking for a workout buddy. Tip Five set Achievable Goals and track Progress setting goals can be a game changer, but they should be achievable so that you don't get frustrated. For instance, I love my boxing classes.
::0:11:05 Valerie And in today's tech-savvy world, tracking is a breeze. Devices like Fitbit, Apple, or apps like MyFitnessPal give you a clear picture of your progress. And don't forget the manual approach of journaling your daily activities. Not only does it allow you to track, but for me, journaling is therapeutic and can be informative when I go back and look at how I'm doing. Just the other day I read about this lady named Mary.
::0:12:26 Valerie Challenge yourself to hold a yoga pose for the length of an episode intro. Or grab some light dumbbells and do bicep and tricep curls. Two chair exercises can't get to the gym? No problem. Simply sit in your chair and do leg lifts or shoulder rolls and seated marches. They can all be done while you're watching TV or working. Dive into YouTube for a plethora of chair-based exercises. And if you're on Facebook, check out the Guru of ABS for Seniors.
::0:13:41 Valerie Even a single flight counts. Or try parking a bit further from your destination. Those extra steps not only contribute to your physical health but can also offer a brief moment of mindfulness before diving into your errands or to work. If you're parking far away from your office, over time, these small choices accumulate, making a considerable difference in your activity level. And five let's call it a kitchen workout.
::0:14:59 Valerie Let's make every moment count, cherishing and nourishing our bodies every step of the way. Until next time, stay active, stay joyful, and remember life. Post 50 is what you make of it.
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