Fitness and Exercise and the Older Adult

Fitness and exercise are not just for children and young people. Older adults can reap mountains of benefits from becoming engaged in a regular fitness program and many are doing so. In fact more older adults are taking fitness and exercise seriously now than in recent decades. Mall walking is a popular activity for older adults. Brisk walking is one of the best and safest forms of exercise. Shopping malls offer consistent temperature and protection from the elements. If it is snowing or raining outside, you can still walk in the mall, getting all the benefits of a fitness and exercise program without having to brave inclement weather. Swimming is another popular activity many older adults enjoy. Swimming works every muscle in the body, but is easy on the knees and joints. While many older adults enjoy swimming laps, others have incorporated water-based calisthenics into their fitness and exercise programs, with great results. The baby boom generation of Americans is getting older, with many baby boomers now reaching retirement age. This generation though is different from preceding generations. Baby boomers tend to live longer, and are more concerned about health. More baby boomers watch their diets, try to control their weight and make fitness and exercise a regular part of their lives than older Americans have in past generations. Add to that the advancements made in medical treatments and these baby boomers can expect to live for many years to come. Physical fitness will continue to play a major role in their lives. Of course, fitness and exercise are not the only factors to be concerned with. Diet also plays a part. A high fiber diet, with most carbohydrates coming from whole grains, vegetables and fruits; and protein coming from more lean portions of meat to limit fat also contribute to health. When proper diet and fitness are linked the result more often than not is a healthy person, no matter what the age. Combining fitness and exercise with good nutrition is a win-win situation for everyone involved.