The health of your heart goes far beyond happiness – it’s essential to healthy aging and can help provide for good health and longevity. Exercise is one of the best ways to keep a healthy heart well into older adulthood, and simple lifestyle changes can make all of the difference.

1. Park farther from entrances in parking lots – instead of parking as close to the door as possible, park a little bit further away to get in some exercise

2. Start walking before you arrive at your house – if you’re taking a bus or even getting a ride, get out a few minutes early and walk the rest of the way to your destination

3. Take the stairs – depending upon your physical abilities, taking the stairs instead of an elevator or escalator can benefit you greatly

4. Take a break – if you work or are engaged in volunteer activities, take a little stroll on your break

5. See cleaning as exercise – try to turn housework into exercise and do it at a brisk pace. Vacuum, mow the lawn, dust or rake leaves and get your heart rate up

6. Walk your pet – if you have a dog, it needs exercise, but so do you. Make it an enjoyable activity to do together daily

7. Exercise with family – if you live with family members, make exercise part of your ritual. Or invite friends or family for a stroll in the park

Via: The Franklin Institute

Image Source: sxc.hu

Everyone pledges to improve their health when a New Year begins, but this year seniors can stay true to their goals by making little changes that truly can change their life:

1. Use a pedometer – walk for 30 minutes a day at a fast pace, and also try to meet 10,000 steps. This can help seniors become more mobile, even just around their homes

2. Strengthen your body – strength training is also essential for improving health

3. Don’t rely upon vitamins – while multivitamins and other supplements can help to enhance nutrition, they shouldn’t be used instead of proper nutrition. The best way to get vitamins is through food

4. Get fishy – 2 meals with fish per week, particularly those high in omega 3 fatty acids is extremely beneficial

5. Don’t assume Aspirin is a good choice for you – ask your doctor, depending upon your specific health conditions, Aspirin may not do you any favors

6. Stay hydrated with water – make sure you’ve got water available to you everywhere you go and keep on drinking!

7. Get sufficient sleep – 8 hours of sleep per night will improve memory, cardiovascular health, and has other health benefits

8. Limit sugar and caffeine – don’t over stimulate yourself

9. Try alternative health options – acupuncture and massage

10. Quit smoking – start cutting back and then quit, your health will thank you. Don’t do it alone, and do it in a way that works for you

11. Forget diets – instead of constantly trying to diet. Focus on eating healthier. Thinking of eating over dieting will be more motivating!

12. Count calories – know how many calories you should have per day, and budget it into your meals. It’s okay to indulge, provided you balance it out

13. Have varied meal – have at least 3 different things on your plate at every meal

14. Deal with your emotions – eating won’t help, but do find help or support for emotional issues you struggle with

15. Don’t drink your calories – many drinks have as many calories as you should consume in a day. Remember, drinks count, but choose food with nutritional content for your calories

Via: Boston.com

Image Source: sxc.hu

The Senior Olympic Games includes some of the fittest seniors in history, and they can act as a great inspiration for many older adults who feel like their age dictates their abilities. This year, vow to improve your fitness level with activities inspired by these incredible seniors:

• Basketball – try engaging in a senior’s basketball league or get together with friends for a shootout or game of 21.

• Bowling – it’s a great social activity and can be as competitive or casual as seniors would enjoy. It helps build muscle mass and becomes an aerobic activity

• Track and field – this is part of the Senior Olympic games and seniors can incorporate their activities that meet their own physical abilities. Jogging, speed walking, or other forms of aerobic activity can stand in. Seniors can even join mall walking groups for some socialization and competition

• Horseshoes – horseshoes are a fun activity and are often played socially. Use it at a family get together as an exercise activity great for all ages to enjoy together

• Dance – try square dancing or ballroom dancing. Take a class, or get a DVD and learn at home with a friend, family member or spouse

• Take advantage of what’s offered in your community – if none of the above feels like great motivation to stay fit in the New Year, see what’s offered in your area and give something positive a try!

Via: Do it Yourself

Image Source: sxc.hu

Many seniors pledge to make 2010 a year filled with physical activity, but for those in colder climates, it can be more of a challenge to incorporate exercise into their regular routines. With these activities, seniors can ensure their health is a priority, even while they remain sheltered from the winter weather:

1. Find a place to walk – walking is one of the best activities for seniors. If cold, ice or snow prevents you from getting outside, go to a local mall or another indoor area that allows you to stretch your legs. Make it a routine a couple times per week

2. Dance for fitness – dance classes are offered for seniors in many recreation centers and senior centers. It’s a great opportunity to socialize, learn something new and is great exercise that has proven benefits in preventing dementia

3. Remain social – many seniors isolate themselves in the winter because it can become harder to go out. Take the opportunity to invite family and friends over and get social!

4. Swim at local facilities – swimming is a great form of exercise for seniors and is easier on the joints. Indoor pools offer the health benefits with protection from the elements

5. Find community activities – card games, bingo games and other local activities that take place should be taken advantage of during the winter months. This can help you get out into the community

6. Exercise at home – if you are nervous to go out during inclement weather, you are smart to stay at home. But have some simple equipment, and invest in a couple of DVDs that will keep you motivated

Via: eHow

Image Source: sxc.hu

Bowling in weekly leagues have been a quintessential and sometimes stereotypical activity attributed to seniors in Minnesota and across the United States. Despite the stereotype, it has been an activity that many seniors enjoy because it allows them to socialize with their peers and leave behind the worries than can come with aging. However, attending a weekly bowling league the traditional way has put stress upon seniors physically; since it requires seniors to lug around and throw hefty bowling balls; and emotionally, since they are faced with the logistical stress of how to get to their Minnesota bowling hall if they no longer drive.

A new trend is sweeping the nation when it comes to seniors and bowling that eliminates these physical and emotional stresses; making the activity more enjoyable for all seniors. Wii Bowling leagues have been spreading like wildfire across the US; with events being held on a weekly basis in senior’s centers, community centers, nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Instead of using a bowling lane and heavy bowling balls, the leagues rely upon the Nintendo Wii gaming system which has seniors using a TV screen and special interactive controllers to simulate a round of bowling. These events can take place anywhere so seniors no longer have to worry about their accessibility to local bowling halls and the use of the controllers reduce the strain that comes with bowling with heavy bowling balls.

Tell us seniors, have you tried the Wii for bowling or another activity?

Sources:

1. Chicago Tribune

2. The Medical News

Image Source: courant.com