Senior Moments Article

“Silver Sneakers for Golden-Agers"

“If I knew I’d live this long, I’d have taken better care of myself.” Such lingering truth is found in the wise words of centenarian Eubie Blake (1883-1983), famed ragtime entertainer and composer. Think about it. If we’re going to turn 80, 90, or 100 anyway, then why don’t we take better care of ourselves? The human life span is lengthening. Are we prepared to handle it?

As seniors, we not only want to keep our minds clear and memories sharp, but our bodies fit as well. I confess to being a poor example of such pearly wisdom. Last year when I spent seven sedentary months writing my book, the result came in the form of a stiff, frail, brittle, old and shrunken, withered me!

Fortunately, I was able to regain full physical pep, endurance, and flexibility within three months. How? I enrolled in the YMCA’s Silver Sneakers & Silver Splash daily exercise programs. Here several of my classmates are amazingly zippy at ninety-three.

Yes, I admit I had to work on it but I’m happy (and relieved) to say that I’m finally back to my usual normal self again, whizzing around polishing chandeliers, washing and waxing our cars, and digging holes in flowerbed gardens to plant a beautiful spring bouquet. But whew! What a close call I had. My body, which had previously served me well, sure went into a slump and began to atrophy from the downward spiral of dis-use!

I know we’re constantly reminded of the importance of mental agility and the need to keep our minds alert, but what about the merits of regular physical exercise as a means of activating the brain as well as body? Many of us still work and although we stimulate our minds, we are otherwise sedentary —an easy trap to fall into if pinned to a desk by high technology in our modern cubicle culture. However, I continue to wonder just how many Alzheimer’s patients actually exercised regularly during their senior years. Do we know?

Why do we protest the use of home exercise equipment (me included)? Weights are hidden beneath the bed, stationery bicycles gather dust in the garage, and the swimming pool water remains undisturbed until cleaned by pool service.

And why do we own memberships in health facilities, then fail to use them? Don’t we all know residents of retirement communities who often boast of the wonderful weight and exercise room at their clubhouse, complete with modern gleaming equipment, only to reluctantly admit they “just haven’t used it yet”? Isn’t purchasing gym equipment or unused health club memberships like buying buckets when what we really need to do is fix the roof?

Almost daily, the world insists that we have firm abs. We are taunted, and downright tortured, by parades of men and women appearing on television ads, magazine covers, and junk mail flyers boasting of flat-as-a-pancake tummies, shrunken waistlines, crunched hips, scrunched thighs, brawny shoulders, muscular arms, and fifty-five pound weight-losses—all achieved in 14-minuteper- day work-outs for only 21 days, using the latest products found on their websites. But in self-defense I’ve learned to set such torments aside and instead concentrate on one simple thing. Regardless of how I accomplish it, I just try to keep my body moving!

WHY EXERCISE?

Those who stay physically fit look and feel years younger. They probably live longer too. Exercise helps joint and spinal cord bones to rebuild and repair themselves whereas a lack of exercise causes bones to become thin and porous. Furthermore, exercise makes us feel better, stronger, more relaxed afterwards, increases energy, and pumps blood to brain cells so we think better, too. Science now tells us that there’s a connection between cardiovascular fitness and good hearing. Whether it is related to breathing, blood vessels, or circulation of blood to the ears remains unclear, but one study discovered that people who were the most physically fit had the best hearing. Any physical activity that increases heart rate and speeds up breathing is good for your heart and blood vessels—even if you’re not using your legs. As for such added benefits as body toning, well, is anything more satisfying than when our clothes still fit?

WHEN TO AVOID EXERCISE:

We seem to be letting go of the once-popular notion “No pain, no gain” and replacing it with “No gain when in pain.” It’s now recommended that exercises which cause pain or discomfort to muscles and joints should be avoided. Both Silver Sneakers gym programs and Silver Splash water aerobics emphasize the need to do only what you can and never exceed your limits.

With middle age behind us, good low-impact exercise options which point toward wellness are Tai Chi for balance and preventing falls (especially on slick surfaces or loose gravel) and Yoga for strengthening muscles and realigning the body to promote better breathing and digestion. Furthermore, Tai Chi and Yoga move joints, stretch muscles, and enhance circulation throughout the body. Most senior centers offer such classes at a moderate cost.

But need it all take place in a class? Why not pick it up with music and laughter? Dancing is a wonderful way to move joints, stretch muscles, and circulate blood throughout the body. David and I make an effort to get out and have some fun on the dance floor once a week, but Cheryl and Ron Woodward attend five to six dances each week. Whether we choose ballroom, swing, country western, salsa, Hawaiian, or square dancing, we all know that music alone is a morale-booster. Just keep the body’s muscles and joints moving!

So what may be holding you back? You don’t have to become a marathoner or Olympian you know. It’s also good to create extra activity whenever possible such as running just one folded towel or T-shirt upstairs or to the opposite end of the house instead of waiting till all the laundry is folded.

If you happen to have medical concerns, by all means please discuss exercise options with your doctor or physical therapist beforehand. Then be prepared to enjoy all the socialization, new-found friendships, camaraderie, and monthly potluck birthday celebrations with new classmates which invariably follow and which help to make it all worthwhile!