Live Well
Updated: June 23, 2023
Fab and Fit February for Over-Fifties
Age is more than just a number. With advancing years we’re met with streaks of insightful gray and wrinkles etched from a history of emotion. And despite the youthful exuberance we claim to still possess in spades, sometimes our ‘bend and snap’ doesn’t quite snap-back.
As we get older, our bodies may not move as quickly or easily as they once did, but staying active is essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Exercise is important for people of all ages, and with a few simple exercises, older people can stay active, healthy, and independent.
Here are 4 exercises mature people can do to stay active:
Wide Strides Save Lives
The old adage of ‘moving quickly so age doesn’t catch up to you’ is more than a phrase. Walking is an easy and low impact exercise that can help keep the heart healthy and improve balance. Start out slowly and build up to 30 minutes a day to gain some heart-pumping action, giving you a stronger and healthier stride.
Tip: Walk at a steady pace, and don’t keep your arms rigid. Stand as straight as you can and step in a rolling action- heel to the toe.
Recommended Recipe: Butternut biryani with cucumber raita
Get Fit with Foster’s:
If You’re feeling Addled; Paddle!
Breast Stroke or dog-paddle, you don’t need to be an Olympian to make waves in the pool.
Swimming is a great and easy way to get a full body workout without putting excess strain on the joints.
This exercise is low impact and great for building balance, strength, mental clarity, and coordination.
Tip: Save more energy by gliding between strokes when you swim. You’ll be able to cover more distance with less exhaustion.
Recommended Recipe: Baked cod with goat’s cheese & thyme
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Yoga-na Do It!
Nothing calms a mind like a practice that is focused on meditation and concentration.
Beyond mental fortitude, yoga is a great way to improve flexibility and balance while still getting a good workout.
Many yoga classes are designed specifically for seniors so they can enjoy the benefits of yoga without putting too much strain on their joints.
Tip: Go slow! Don’t rush yourself through poses. This is a very purposeful and fluid art. Slow deliberate movement means you can track your progress and enhance your physical fluidity.
Recommended Recipe: Lentil soup recipe
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No Pain, All Gain
Training to be strong doesn’t mean you need to move mountains.
The significance of Strength training is to help build muscle strength and prevent bone loss.
It’s important to keep limbs active in order to maintain dexterity. Using light weights or resistance bands can help build strength without putting too much strain on the body.
Tip: Warm up and cool down before and after for 5-10 minutes. This is to prevent soreness and to prepare your body for increased limb movement.
Recommended Recipe: Beetroot & lentil tabbouleh recipe
Get Fit with Foster’s:
No matter what your “live well’ journey is it’s never too late to get fit. Our body is a well-built machine. Keep it running by getting regular exercise and movement to discourage weathering and keeping your body ready for action!
Recipes courtesy of BBC Good Food
