We all suffer from the “Winter Blues”….outdoors activities are limited, the weather can be dreary, days are shorter and we all want to do hibernate.  The secret to feeling better and living longer is staying active even when forced to be indoors.

Should I be doing some sort of physical activity daily?

The answer is yes regardless of your age.  Finding a program that works for you and sticking with it may reduce the risk of developing chronic age related diabetes and heart disease. Exercise may also be an effective treatment for arthritis pain, anxiety, depression and even high blood pressure.  Staying active can also contribute to seniors leading more independent lives.  That’s why health experts say that older adults should be active every day to maintain their health. One of the great things about physical activity is that there are so many ways to be active. Many physical activities — such as brisk walking, or taking the stairs whenever you can – can be done indoors. You could also check out an exercise video from the library or use the fitness center at a local senior center.  Dancing is a wonderful way of staying fit and being in touch with friends.  Check out if the local senior center is planning any activities during the holiday season. 

What is going to keep me limber during the fall and winter months?

The National Institute on Health (NIH) recommends four types of exercises most of which can be done in doors

Strength training that builds older adult muscles and increases metabolism, which helps to keep weight and sugar in check.

·         Balance exercises to build leg muscles, and this helps to prevent falls. According to the NIH, U.S. hospitals have 300,000 admissions for broken hips each year, many of them seniors, and falling is often the cause of those fractures.

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·         Stretching can give you more freedom of movement, which will allow you to be more active during your senior years.

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·         Endurance exercises are activities including walking, jogging, swimming, biking, even raking leaves—that increases your heart rate and breathing for an extended period of time.

If I never exercised before, is it too late to start?

It’s never too late.  No matter how old you are, exercise can improve the quality of life and you don’t need to spend a lot of time doing it to see improvements and feel better.

What can I do indoors that will work as well when the weather improves?

• Use stairs whenever possible
• If you have access to an indoor pool, swimming is an excellent way to keep fit.
• Turn your head slowing to the left and the right and then tilt slowing to the left and right shoulder.
• Sit in a chair and slowing tilt your torso to the left and then the right.
• Walk around your house or apartment several times a day. 
• Sign up for a Yoga class for seniors
• Take time every day to do something that you enjoy. 

We hope that you enjoyed our November newsletter.  Look for future issues that address

the needs of  seniors and helpful advice on providing in-home care.  Our newsletters will also contain healthy recipes from our owners and senior caregivers.  If you wish to share your secret recipe, please email us at secaucusnj@comfortkeepers.com