Neighbor News
Consider This! Senior Advice Columnist Talks About Staying Fit
Audrey tells Patch readers that you are never too old to stay fit to more fully enjoy life.
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.
At The Summit of Uptown residents enjoy a sit and stretch exercise program every morning and can also join in the Tai Chi class.
Another idea to increase one’s 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.
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Programs at The Summit, which provides seniors with both independent and assisted retirement living service, are always open to members of the community and offer a wonderful way to learn about retirement living and to meet new people. To find out more about other services, activities and amenities at The Summit of Uptown, visit www.summitofuptown.com or call 847-825-1161 to schedule a personalized tour of our completely renovated community.
For questions and comments, write to me at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Ave., Park Ridge, Ill 60068 or send an email to audrey@summitofuptown.com. You can also check my blog for more advice at www.summitofuptown.com.
