Active Aging is the Prescription for Thriving in Mid-Life and Beyond

Active aging does not mean watching the paint dry while marking off days on the calendar. Also known as healthy aging, it is the process of optimizing our physical and mental welfare now so that our brains and bodies are up to any tasks we may need them for later on down the road.

Most importantly, active aging is not solely about improving one’s own life (though that’s a pretty big deal) – but also ensuring that we are capable of being a benefit, not a burden, to our families and friends as we grow older.

A significant part of active aging – if not the primary focus – should be regular exercise. Moderate workouts three to five times per week have been proven to drastically reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more. In fact, the Department of Health and Human Services says we all should be tallying 2.5 to 5 hours weekly.

Additional benefits of regular exercise, include:

• Healthy weight loss
• Reduced blood pressure
• Improved memory and brain function
• Anti-depression qualities

If you guessed nutrition as another component of active aging, you’d be correct. Five servings of fruits and veggies daily are the standard recommendation, in addition to lean meats, low-fat dairy, and snacks that are rich in antioxidants like berries. Your physician may be able to recommend a multi-vitamin which can bridge the gaps of any food groups you may need some help with.

The trick to effective active aging is to get started now. Particularly for those of us in midlife, making wise exercise and nutrition choices now can set the stage for reinvention and reinvigoration as we inch nearer to our 60s and 70s and everything beyond. After all, additional components of active aging – getting involved in one’s community; staying connected to family, friends, and loved ones; and discovering activities that provide mental stimulation – often require varying degrees of research, engagement, and socialization. The life experiences we have garnered thus far are invaluable tools for laying such critical groundwork for the future.

Begin filling your active aging prescription for a thriving future at Fitness Together Ellicott City. Our certified personal trainers can even help you develop a unique plan based on routine exercise and a balanced diet. Call us at 410-750-2228 to learn more.