Too Old To Get Fit?

[I'm reposting this article which I accidentally deleted when I updated my blog posts.]

I've heard this lame excuse too many times already to the point that it is becoming an accepted alibi to shy away from regular exercise. Actually, for many folks, it is mostly a pretext for laziness.

Investment in our personal health and well-being, through proper diet and nutrition, wholesome lifestyle, and routine workout, should have ideally started when we were still young. This does not mean, however, that one can no longer embark on a get fit program once he/she is already way past prime age. [read: Getting Fit And Healthy After 50]

It's never too late to get fit, no matter what your age is. There are various get fit programs available and appropriate for people of any age level. The problem is a lot of people are averse to exercise and would only consider this option when prescribed by their doctors, or when they start to experience health issues.

                                    [photo courtesy of andyandluphe@hotmail.com]

I personally believe that as a person ages, the more he/she should get immersed in physical activity. Inactivity in old age compounds health problems and hastens the deterioration of health and life.

Your get fit programs need not be expensive. In fact, the simplest and easiest ones are free, and can be comfortably incorporated into your daily routines. Simple activities like walking short distances to your destination, instead of using a vehicle, or using the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, can do wonders to your health. Remember my earlier post on standing desks? Remaining standing most of the time, even when reading, writing, or doing something, is a healthier alternative to prolonged hours of sitting. Jog or bike, if you still can. Regular walking around the neighborhood block is the best option for seniors. 

Do not wait for your cholesterol, blood sugar, blood pressure, and uric acid levels to break out of normal range before you consider the getting fit option. Reap its benefits, no matter what your age is, when it matters most.

Getting fit is much, much, more economical than making repeated trips to doctors' clinics, especially in your old age.