How will you keep active on Senior Health and Fitness Day?

The annual event is observed each May, and is celebrated by health organizations around the nation.

By Barrett White

 

Each May, geriatricians and health professionals across America observe National Senior Health & Fitness Day, the largest older adult health and wellness event in the nation. According to the event’s official site, more than 100,000 older adults are expected to participate in local health and fitness events at over a thousand locations across the country. According to the Institute of Inflammation and Ageing at the University of Birmingham, “Our research means we now have strong evidence that encouraging people to commit to regular exercise throughout their lives is a viable solution to the problem that we are living longer but not healthier.”

With this in mind, the Mature Market Resource Center will observe the day by offering fitness activities for older adults at locations around the country such as hospitals, park and recreation departments, senior centers, health clubs, retirement communities, houses of worship, health departments and other community locations.

Legacy geriatrician Dr. Joanna Ira recommends all adults find ways to keep active as you age. Dr. Ira recommends observing the awareness day by finding “healthy activities to do that are convenient and easy to stick to, and give you pleasure.” She also provides some easy to follow tips and ideas to staying fit:

• Identify activities that you can do with family and friends, like dancing, gardening, and any activity that involves a group of friends and gets you on your feet or out of the house.
• Find partners to assist you to stay motivated and help with accountability.
• Select activities appropriate for your age; for older adults these may include tennis, badminton, cycling, swimming, walking, and light calisthenics.
• Schedule annual physical exams that includes hearing, vision checks, vaccinations and cancer prevention.

Around the Greater Houston Area, there are many parks, public gyms, and walking trails that would make perfect destinations for a day of heart-healthy outdoor activities like a nature walk, bird spotting, or cycling. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving!

To learn more about Legacy’s geriatrics program and what services we provide, or to make an appointment with a Legacy provider, click here.