Fifty is the new 40, 60 is the new 50-- adults are living longer and leading more active lifestyles than ever before.
Fifty is the new 40, 60 is the new 50– adults are living longer and leading more active lifestyles than ever before. This is partially a result of advances in healthcare, but it is also due to a better understanding of how lifestyle affects the body. When it comes to a person’s health, genetics play an important role. However, those who are predisposed to a certain condition, or already diagnosed with a disease, can reduce their risks and better manage their condition with simple lifestyle changes.
Research continues to show us that activity is at the heart of a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise leads to more energy, greater strength, and general flexibility. It can help manage or reduce the risks for serious health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and elevated cholesterol. Inactivity is detrimental to anyone’s health, but for older adults it can lead to premature frailty that increases the risks of injury from falls. When it comes to muscle strength, it’s good to remember the old adage, “Use it, or lose it”.
Regular exercise does not have to mean working out in the gym or running a marathon. Adults can reap significant health benefits by participating in moderate activity for as little as 30 minutes every day. Best of all, any activity leads to these health benefits, whether it’s taking a brisk walk, playing a game of tennis, swimming, raking leaves, or playing Wii sports games.
Dancing is another way active adults can have fun while staying in shape. Many active adult communities have dance studios and offer classes in ballroom or other styles of dance. Line dancing is a popular activity at communities such as, Sun City Apple Valley in California; Heritage Todd Creek in Colorado; and Lake Ashton in Florida.
A healthy lifestyle involves well-rounded living, including both physical and social activity. Socializing and sharing interests with friends can be invigorating. It often reduces stress, which can in turn lead to better health. Too often active adults feel isolated when their children move out of the house or they retire from their careers. Taking on a new hobby and joining a local social group can do wonders to improve mental outlook.
Active adult communities are a great place for adults to make friends with others who are at the same stage of life. Many communities offer a wide variety of social clubs that appeal to many interests, such as crafts, photography, yoga, travel, gardening, and much more. Book discussion groups, luncheon clubs, and local chapters of the Red Hat Society are some more ways adults can stay active, meet new people, and exercise their minds as well as their bodies.
In addition to regular exercise and an active social life, a healthy diet has a large impact on a person’s overall health. Processed, pre-packaged foods can be high in salt, trans-fat, or other questionable ingredients. Many nutritionists recommend cooking fresh foods as a healthier alternative. Cooking classes promote both social activity and a healthy diet. They are offered at several active adult communities, including The Club in Roseville, California and Villaggio in Lake Worth, Florida.
Each year many active adults discover the joys of living in an age-restricted community. State-of-the-art fitness centers, tennis courts, walking and biking trails, dance studios, a variety of social clubs, and many other amenities promote the kind of active lifestyle that brings many health benefits. Participating in these, and other, group diversions can help active adults stay active for years to come.
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So true.
Coupled together with a proper diet the twilight years can be so enjoyable