Older people must build muscle to stay fit
As you get older, it’s easy to sit back and let the world take its course. It’s even easier to keep them entertained with TV and computer games. But the fact is that to stay in shape one needs to work and build the muscles that have been worn down by inactivity. As your heart and lungs weaken, so do the simple act of walking helps, but it is not enough. So what does one do?
As an older person, my body has problems that are related both to sitting for a long time, because I write, and also to being a bit lazy. The house is maintenance free and my robots do the work you once asked me to do. This resulted in loss of balance and also loss of muscle.
When older people fall, which often happens, they find it hard to get up because the muscles aren’t there to help. The strength in the arms and legs makes it very difficult to get the tension to lift the body. That is why improving balance and increasing strength is very important.
In my case I joined a gym. This is the first time I’ve been inside one and even though it’s close to my house, it’s also female only. It has been a great experience and with the many friends I have already made, it has taken my attention away from the computer for hours on end. That is also good.
There are physical therapy classes included in the fee and they are based on balance, cardio and heart, and many other things. Trainers can also be hired for half hour sessions which I found helpful in explaining how the various machines work. Now instead of walking, I ride my bike for half an hour to strengthen my leg muscles. This has made a huge difference to my back and supporting stomach muscles.
Weights are something I take in quite a bit, but I don’t push them due to a rotator cuff tear I sustained as a result of a fall seventeen years ago. Many older people have this problem, while many others have body replacements. These many are in the knees and hips. Keeping the muscles strong is essential, which is why there are many with these situations in the gym.
Other machines help stimulate the heart, such as the rowing machine. Push-ups against the bars are another good exercise, while the floor allows for crunches and other maneuvers that help strengthen the legs and arms. After only a few sessions, I was able to easily get up off the ground, allowing me to recover from a fall.’
As we go by our expiration date in today’s world, we have every advantage to help us survive. The problem is that most people don’t see it that way.