MUSC Wellness

6 | www.We l l nes sCenterMagaz i ne. com Studies in the past 30 years indicate that getting physically weaker and mentally less sharp stem from lifestyle and not sim- ply growing older. The mind, body and soul are so intricately intertwined that your active or inactive lifestyle can affect much more than your physical ability to exercise. Regular activity and daily exercise have been found to reduce the odds or delay many diseases and disabilities and can be part of an effective treatment for chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis and high blood pressure. An inactive lifestyle, on the other hand, often leads to more doctor visits, illnesses, medications and hospitalizations. Luckily, leading an active lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean training for a marathon or taking up mountain climbing – unless of course you actually want to set that goal. The Cen- ters for Disease Control and Prevention has developed guidelines of their recommended weekly ratios of exercise and muscle-strength- ening activities based on the intensity level you prefer, from moderate intensity to vigorous and aerobic activities. As much as exercise in general is emphasized, studies have shown that those who also strength train – lifting weights, working with resistance bands or even yoga, for example – live longer. No matter your age, it’s never too late to get moving. “First of all, we suggest that seniors stay active mentally and physically as much as they can, if they are healthy enough to do so,” said Hattie Fields, a nurse at Sea Island Comprehensive Health Care Corporation. “We suggest going for a walk or joining a dance class for physical exercise. For mental exercise, reading a book you enjoy or even some- thing as simple as practicing counting forward and backward can help keep your mind in shape.” Fields stresses that finding a social group with which to do things you enjoy together is very important as you age. The emotional benefits of being social and involved in a group or activity have a significant impact on overall health and wellness. by Anne Toole LIVE LONGER, An active lifestyle is one of the pillars of good health, so it should come as no surprise that as we age, exercise remains one of the most important aspects of our life. But staying active is easier said than done in the face of health problems that tend to develop and mount in our later years: arthritis, aching joints and more. Nevertheless, keeping your body and mind on their toes will keep you healthy in the long run.