There’s no doubt that the later years of life can present some unique physical and mental challenges. While a long, full life can take a toll on the body and mind, there are some simple things that you can do to keep fit both mentally and physically.
- Stay Physically Active – Physical activity has a variety of positive effects on the body and mind, including keeping water and oxygen flowing through all the tissues of the body which helps to repair and rejuvenate them and keep toxins cleaned out. Even very mild physical activity such as walking or working in a garden has been shown to release endorphins, the brain’s feel good hormones that give us a sense of happiness and well being.
- Stay Socially Active – Social interaction has a powerful emotional and physical effect. Studies show that people that maintain active social relationships live longer than those that don’t. This could be a church group, dinner club, or any other type of social group. And there’s the added benefit that having friends and social acquaintances makes life more fun and enjoyable.
- Stay Mentally Active – When you don’t have the mental challenges of work and raising a family to contend with anymore, it’s easy to let the brain muscles get a little soft. Keeping mentally active can help you to stay sharp and provide you with a means to connect with people with similar interests. You could join or start a book club, a chess or bridge group, or a scrabble or bingo club. You could also teach on a subject that is near or dear to you through a community college, personal enrichment program, or through your church or religious center.
- Don’t forget to Rest – As we age, our bodies do require more rest than they did when we were younger. So take your time and enjoy what you’re doing. Don’t push yourself too hard and remember to take breaks and rest more often.
Here are a few resources with additional information on staying healthy:
National Institutes of Health – Exercise for Seniors
Fitness Tips from the Senior Journal
Mental Fitness Article on About.com
Puritan Financial Companies is a diversified financial services firm specializing in helping people from their peak earning years through retirement to secure their financial future. Visit Puritan Life Insurance at www.puritanlife.com. The information contained in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, or investment advice.
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