Senior Fitness

By Santa Ynez Valley Star Staff · Tue Mar 17 2020

By James Riley

Contributing Writer

Much has been written about how to be healthy and maintain a good quality of life as we mature into our senior years.

Although it is true that as we age our bodies tend to become less efficient in the processing of nutrients and maintaining muscle mass, much of what is blamed on aging can be attributed to an inactive lifestyle and poor nutrition.

It is easy and convenient to blame our physical woes and apparent decline on aging, as if there is little we can do about it. For many otherwise healthy seniors, much of the decline may be attributed to an inactive lifestyle and poor nutrition.

There are a number of simple lifestyle changes that can be made to improve one’s health. Keep in mind that “simple” does not necessarily mean easy, as such changes to one’s habits and lifestyle can be difficult. It is recommended to attempt only one change at a time and stay with that change until it becomes a comfortable habit. Then a second change may be in order.

Too many changes at one time can easily overwhelm the amount of will power available, resulting in giving up and returning to old habits.

Any changes that improve your lifestyle can improve your health. Listed below are six habits of a healthy senior lifestyle. Many seniors already practice some or most of them. Pick a change that is appropriate for you and improve your life.