Aging and Fitness

Studies have shown that older adults with positive attitudes, good nutrition, regular exercise, and social activities are more effective at avoiding or dealing with problems and crises in later life.

Whatever your fears - loss of independence, chronic illness or dementia - it is almost never too late to make positive changes in lifestyle to help maintain good health.

As we get older we should strive to maintain a healthy weight, to stay physically active and to keep our mental abilities intact.

There is so much conflicting advice about diet - it can be tempting to jump on the latest bandwagon but essentially a healthy diet is based on balance.

Older adults should adopt a balanced, low-fat diet full of high-fibre foods, such as fresh fruits, vegetables, breads, and cereals.

Avoid fads and crazes.

Physical activity is also a key ingredient for healthy aging. Various kinds of physical activity can affect body shape, bone and muscle strength, flexibility, agility, balance, heart and lung endurance, and circulation.

You don't need a formal exercise plan - housework, regular walking, gardening, dancing etc can give you all the exercise you need.

Some people report that one of their greatest fears about aging is the loss of mental abilities, and, in particular, the development of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. In reality, only about 10 to 15 percent of people age 65 and over have an illness that affects the ability to think.

Although researchers have found that many people do become a bit more forgetful (about recent events) at older ages, this process is usually so slow and gradual that it has very little effect on functioning in everyday life.

Memory can even be improved with training or practice - learning new skills, crosswords, puzzles are helpful in this respect.

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Calculate your BMI

Underweight = <18.5
Normal weight = 18.5-24.9
Overweight = 25-29.9
Obesity = BMI of 30 or greater