VISITING ANGELS PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL 561-328-7611
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IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR YOUR BODY OR YOUR BRAIN TO BENEFIT FROM EXERCISE!

If you are a Boomer or a Senior, you have certainly felt it firsthand: with every extra candle on the birthday cake, your mobility seems to be declining. What if there was a way to slow down the aging process and prolong the period during which both your body and brain stay agile, effectively postponing your entry into the disability zone? No, there is no fountain of youth, but instead an elixir called exercise.

Here is how and why it works. Aging doesn’t just happen on the surface – it happens down at the cell level. New research shows that even if you are OLDER, a few weeks of vigorous exercise will positively impact the ability of the genes in your cells to produce energy and regenerate. The recent PACE-2 study has shown that exercise doesn’t just impact the cells in your body’s muscles but also those in your brain!

So how do you make your “health-span” equal your “life-span?” Keep your mind moving as well as your muscles, and think about trying that Mediterranean diet! Need some motivation to get started? Consider the points below.

Aging of cells especially affects the muscles because those cells do not regenerate as quickly as others. But if the decline in the cells of aging muscles has been proven to be reversed by intense exercise, then the excuse that “it’s too late” melts away. Adjust your attitude towards aging. By now we all have seen the results from studies that prove exercise is good for us: it improves fitness, regulates blood sugar and hypertension, and minimizes muscle loss. The results are conclusive whether periodic high-intensity exercise or regular lower intensity activities, aerobics, stretching and balance exercises. Stronger muscles can help someone do more for themselves and stay independent longer. Add to that the fact that people who exercise regularly are less stressed, anxious, and depressed. And if that were not enough to motivate you to get moving, it has now been shown that physical activity helps to minimize or arrest cognitive decline in addition to mental aerobics like reading, learning a new language and computer activity. Which physical activities? In addition to weight bearing exercise, try swimming, biking, hiking and even vigorous walking!

Exercise increases blood flow, not only below the neck but above it. Adequate blood flow in the brain is critical to provide oxygen and fuel needed for brain cells to function. Blood vessels in the brain are smaller in diameter which makes them super susceptible to the effects of an unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle. But recent studies show high-intensity exercise can help boost lagging cognitive abilities. If we can’t treat Alzheimer’s with drugs once it’s been diagnosed, then prevention may be the best medicine. Diet and nutrition are important to the brain. We've all read the articles - "eat like a Greek!" New research has found that not only changes in diet and mental aerobics boost the brain, but vigorous exercise can help people hang on to cognitive skills. So what’s stopping you from developing a new routine that includes daily exercise? It is a myth that Seniors are frail adults unable to manage anything more than chair yoga, or that it's unwise or unsafe to exercise as you get older. The brain will shrink 5% every 10 years after the age of 40. The good news is now you can turn it around with physical activity; the brain's capacity can improve as you get older if you exercise regularly, so get up and get going!

There are caveats of course.  The effects of exercise are short lived –  so stay with it. Remember a regular routine easily becomes a good habit. Supplements cannot magically turn a bad diet into a good one. Be more selective about what you eat, but also how much….and stay hydrated! Start any new physical activity slowly – expect to be sore, but avoid injury. Always check with your doctor first* (chances are your doctor will be all for it). Start slowly, stretch and warm up your muscles first, do short sessions when beginning if you have previously been inactive. Make it fun, and don’t overdo it.

Over decades of helping Seniors, I've noticed that those who were sedentary often needed the most help at home. Home care may be an option for you or a loved one if it can provide the companionship needed to "thrive not just survive," and promote independence by encouraging exercise, good nutrition, mental engagement, and social activity.

Till Next Time!

Irv Seldin, JD, President and Owner, Visiting Angels of the Palm Beaches

*THIS ARTICLE IS NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.


 

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

Serving Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Jupiter, Juno Beach, Hobe Sound, Stuart, West Palm Beach and throughout Palm Beach County and Martin County, FL

Visiting Angels PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL
8645 N Military Trl #407
Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33410
Phone: 561-328-7611
Fax: 561-328-7607

"My 90 year old mother fell and broke her arm a year ago and was in real need of home care. Knowing the great reputation of Visiting Angels, I called them after checking their recent(wonderful) reviews. This gave me the confidence to start services. We had to do 24 hour care for many months as mom couldn’t do much for herself. Our experience has been very positive, the caregivers have been competent and caring. Honorable mention needs to go to our care coordinator Jackie who has always been willing and able to meet requests, listen attentively to mom’s changing needs and make any adjustments in hours and staffing! I am out of state and knowing that my mother’s needs are met for safety and compassionate quality care is priceless!"

– Debbie D. (More reviews here)

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐