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Community Corner

Tip of the Week: Today Marks Senior Health and Fitness Day!

Wednesday, May 28, 2014 is National Senior Health and Fitness Day!  This day was set to keep older Americans healthy and fit.  Exercise is a key to staying healthy.  While keeping a consistent exercise schedule can be difficult as you get older, it can also be very rewarding by boosting your mood, self confidence, relieving stress and even helping to improve sleep patterns. 

There are various ways to incorporate a little physical activity into your daily life.  Small decisions such as taking stairs rather than the elevator, or parking at the far end of a parking lot causing you to walk a little farther, will get your body moving a little more.  Walking, Yoga, Tai Chi, water aerobics or water sports are all great forms of exercise.  There are even small activities seniors that are frail or chair bound can participate in, using free weights, resistance bands, slow stretching and bending will show results of being more physically active.  Strength training, flexibility and cardio activities still allow them to experience mood boosting effects. 

When making the decision to start exercising it is always good to discuss it with your physician.  Create small goals that will help you stay focused.  Start slow and create a stabilized exercise schedule, this way it will become more of a habit.  For more information and tips on the benefits of exercising at an older age visit http://www.helpguide.org/life/senior_fitness_sports.htm

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