Have you seen certain folks that look much older than they are? Their skin looks weathered and dry, their posture is tilted forward sitting or standing because they have little or no core strength, they walk with a wobble, they just look uncomfortable moving their body day to day.
Sadly, most of this population does not take care of their physical health and their body is showing it. There is a connection between fitness and life longevity. Sedentary folks lose about 70% of their functional ability by age 90. Those who workout often lose only 30% of their functional ability by the same age.
After the age of 30, many basic bodily functions begin to decline. Aging is a normal part of life, but working out has been shown to slow the body’s natural decline.
Most folks don’t think beyond how they feel in the present when it comes to how life will change as they age. They feel good now, live a capable, functional life, but don’t realize the more sedentary they are, it will catch up. As they age, things will decline, such as balance, bone density, mental state, fighting off illnesses and overall function may become more difficult.
The stronger and healthier your body is today, the longer you will feel younger, energized and enjoy your quality and longevity of life.
Here are a few ways fitness comes in to play as we age:
- Reduces risk of falls and osteoarthritis;
- Protects against brain damage;
- Stimulates brain function;
- Improves immune system function; and
- Ultimately enhances overall health and longevity.
Here’s some truth about my parents that may be an eye opener for you.
Both my parents are in their mid-70s, recently both have taken some light falls, but ended up breaking some major bones. Neither one of them worked out or took care of themselves in ways that would help as they aged. It saddens me as well as frustrates me, because I’ve told them for years how important it is to keep strong, build strong bones and practice balance, but they didn’t do any of what I advised.
Now, my mom lives in a care home, she can feed herself and walk to the bathroom, that is pretty much it as far as her independence goes. My dad is in a rehabilitation facility because of his broken clavicle and fractured ribs. Because of their current condition, life is now limited using walkers and forced to be extremely sedentary due to their lack of mobility.
Fitness has no age my friends. If you are someone who should be in better health, it doesn’t matter what age you are. I strongly advise you to start making that shift in the right direction. Set yourself up for success as you age. Strength, strong bones and balance are key things that will keep you feeling young and live a functional life as you age.
Ashley LaMorte is a nationally certified fitness instructor and has been in the fitness industry close to a decade. Over the years she has gotten the opportunity to instruct group X boot camps at gyms and train private clients from all walks of life, all over the Bay Area. She now has her own mobile fitness business, LaMorte Lift. Learn more at LaMorteLift.com.
