How to Live Longer and Retain Strength

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Many people have a tendency to become less active as they age. However, experts agree that a lot of the aging process is psychological — we think that as we get older we have to slow down. That’s not the case.

Studies show that you can regain a great deal of strength, agility and independence if you exercise regularly, no matter what age you begin.

Researchers recently completed a study focusing on 10 people between the ages of 86 and 96.

After using standard muscle-resistance training over and eight-week period, all 10 showed signs of increased muscle strength.

Unfortunately, many people don’t begin to worry about fitness until they are a little older and notice that they can’t do as much as they used to.

Usually by age 50, a lot of damage has already been done, because of poor nutrition, bone loss and the general aging process. And, it’s harder to undo the damage than prevent or delay it.

However, don’t despair if you are over 50 and don’t exercise. Starting an exercise program now will still give you many health benefits.

No one can put off the effects of aging permanently, and you may still suffer from disease. But, you can avoid or delay diseases associated with aging by starting active. Exercise can even help people who suffer from diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

An active lifestyle and exercise improves your heart and blood-vessel functions, and it can help you live longer. A study of 16,936 people showed that active people lived from one to over two years longer than people who didn’t exercise.

When thinking about an exercise program, keep these things in mind. The exercises should be within your capabilities, and should allow you to gradually improve your capabilities. They should be kept to a reasonable time and level of intensity. And they should be fun.

Always consult your doctor before starting any exercise program, because there are a lot of “dos” and “don’ts” that you may no think of.

For instance, do you know that eating can lower your blood pressure, so you shouldn’t eat for one hour before or after exercising?

And did you realize that warm-up and cool-down periods are essential to move the blood flow from the large leg muscles and prevent dizziness?

Some people occasionally “go off the deep end” and end up doing more harm than good. So, be sure to check with your doctor before beginning your exercise program. She can help you design a program that’s best for you.