Add life to your years by staying fit

As we add years to our lives, fitness can add life to our years.  Regular exercise not only helps seniors maintain health, it can also boost energy and improve confidence.  And even if you haven’t been a lifelong fitness fan, no matter what your age, your health, or your fitness level—you benefit when you get up and get going. 

I’ve found in my own life that reaping the rewards of exercise doesn’t require strenuous workouts or trips to the gym. It’s about finding small ways to add more movement and activity to your life.   One way to do that is to set a regular walking date with a friend.  While some experts believe that you get a better cardio workout and toning when you power walk, just plain old walking is a great way to burn calories and boost metabolism. 

Another idea to increase your fitness level is gardening—a pastime that can still provide enjoyment well into the golden years.  Even if you are no longer able to till the earth or do heavy lifting, you can still enjoy moving around in the fresh air as you create pots for vegetables or tend to baskets of beautiful flowers. 

At the Summit of Uptown enabling gardens—raised flower beds that eliminate the need for stooping and kneeling—even allow people who are physically challenged to participate in this creative approach to fitness.  And trips to such locations as The Botanic Garden and the Morton Arboretum give Summit residents the opportunity to combine the best of both worlds as they stroll through these pastoral venues.    

There are always choices when it comes to dealing with anything in life—and one of those things how to stay fit.  You’re in charge.  It’s up to you to decide just how much and what kind of exercise—or anything else for that matter—that you want to keep in your schedule.

For questions and comments, you can call me at 847-825-1161, email me at audrey@summitofuptown.com , or write to me at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Ave., Park Ridge, Ill 60068.