Why we should not ignore the benefits of moving while aging..

We all know that exercising is good for us. We have heard this for decades. Why do we ignore the benefits of moving while aging? Do we really think about how important a simple daily walk can be? It is funny that we know it but just seem to think about it but not very seriously. That is about as much as I had really thought about. I knew for years that exercising made me feel better but still had a tough time sticking to an exercise regimen. However, it finally clicked for me. It was not about my motivation; it was all about being committed. I had to commit to a program of some sort. I could not rely on motivation. Motivation will come and go in waves…high then low. It is too easy to fall with the pressures of life. Life happens and that darn primal brain will give you every reason not to go for the walk or run. Exercising comes from a commitment. Don’t give in. Don’t ignore the benefits of moving while aging. Yes, I want that to sink in.

As mentioned before, I am taking a class that I thought would be interesting (and I admit that I thought it would be easy) and fun. Foundations of Sport and Exercise Psychology and it is not a bit fun, nor a bit easy, but very interesting. The book has small texts, and I am required to read two chapters a week and then take a quiz. Hmm. I am currently at a B average. Yes, I have been a little deflated. I know that I say all the time, we are never too old to learn but this class is not boosting my confidence on that idea! Oh well, the good part is that I have learned so much about the psychology used in Professional sport teams, Olympics, and in school programs. I have also learned about exercising benefits. This past week was on the exercise and the psychological benefits of our well-being. Again, we all know that exercise is good for us but let’s not ignore the benefits of moving while aging.

The most common health problems in the United States are depression and anxiety disorders. Is that scary? Depression is the leading cause of worldwide disability in terms of lost years of work. That is another scary problem. But why? Some say it is technology and social media. I can fully understand that. People need to realize that we do not usually post pictures of food that looks somewhat unappealing on a plate. We do not usually take pics of our unwashed hair days. Now you know why I skip a lot of days lol! Most of us do not have lives that are always happy and going our way. I believe it is important to inform our children that social media is not the real world. Another problem with social media is unproductive time. The number one reason given by adults for not having an exercise program was due time restraint. I know this was always a great excuse. I am just too busy. However, it is much more about time management than not enough time. How much time is given to watching a tv mini-series or you-tube and tic-toc? There has been a tremendous amount of research on how exercise can improve our moods, enhance our feelings of well-being, decrease our anxiety and depression. The positive effects are so well documented. The one benefit that really stuck with me was it helping with osteoporosis. I have had a lecture from my doctor about this concern. Hypertension, coronary heart disease, cancer, as well as improving our overall psychological well-being (Weinberg, 2019) are other benefits of exercise.

There are a few things that we can do that will keep us committed to a program. Keep in so it feels okay to you. It does not have to be high intensity. In fact, research says that doing something that is comfortable and not too strenuous will stick and keep us going! I believe this. I do not push myself on most days. I just run a pace that feels comfortable. So, start some new ways to get more activity in. Always parking far at the store and always taking the stairs are great ways to be active. Having others join you in activity, such as a spouse or friend that understands your commitment and supportive. If you stay with it for over six months, then it is likely going to stay as part of your lifestyle. Again, doing more today than yesterday is a great start. Be active. Move. It is good for all of us. Not looking to be in a race or the Olympics LOL, just moving to increase our blood flow and improve our moods. Everyone could use a daily mood booster! Take the stairs!!!