Categories: Wellness Tips

Moving to Keep Moving

Regular exercise is essential to maintaining functional abilities throughout aging. Once we stop moving our muscles weaken and our joints become stiff and inflexible. The more sedentary we become the more we have to do to reverse the effects. Avoid being completely sedentary by moving at least a little every day.

These are common barriers to exercise that we can overcome.

Self-efficacy	Begin slowly with exercises that are easily accomplished; advance gradually; provide frequent encouragement.
Attitude	Promote positive personal benefits of exercise; identify enjoyable activities.
Discomfort	Vary intensity and range of exercise; employ cross-training; start slowly; avoid overdoing.
Disability	Specialized exercises; consider personal trainer or physical therapist.
Poor balance	Assistive devices can increase safety as well as increase exercise intensity.
Fear of injury	Balance and strength training initially; use of appropriate clothing, equipment, and supervision; start slowly.
Habit	Incorporate into daily routine; repeat encouragement; promote active lifestyle.
Subjective norms	Identify and recruit influential others; education of patient and influential family/friends.
Fixed income	Walking and other simple exercises; use of household items; promote active lifestyle.
Bad weather	Walk around the home; use senior centers; promote active lifestyle
Cognitive decline	Incorporate into daily routine; keep exercises simple.
Illness/ fatigue	Use a range of exercises/intensities that patients can match to their varying energy level.

Moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day has these health benefits:

Improves blood circulation, which reduces the risk of heart disease
Keeps weight under control
Helps in the battle to quit smoking
Improves blood cholesterol levels
Prevents and manages high blood pressure
Helps delay or prevent chronic illnesses and diseases associated with aging
Maintains quality of life and independence longer for seniors
Helps you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly
Increases muscle strength, increasing the ability to do other physical activities
Prevents bone loss
Boosts energy level
Helps manage stress and releases tension
Counters anxiety and depression
Improves self-image
Promotes enthusiasm and optimism
Reduces risk of stroke by 20 percent
Counters the conditions that lead to heart attack and stroke
Provides a way to share an activity with family and friends
Reduces coronary heart disease in women by 30-40 percent
Reduces the overall risk of obesity, high blood pressure, poor cholesterol levels, etc.

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'Mother Jai'

Jennifer Lawson, aka Mother Jai Mother Jai has been blending and personally using aromatherapy products since 2012 and herbal remedies since 2003. The knowledge and experience she obtained over the years provides you with a well rounded, educated, and informed platform to base your own health and wellness on.