MUSC Wellness

8 | www.We l l nes sCenterMagaz i ne. com Programs across the Lowcountry are designed specifically to offer seniors the opportunity to get involved and stay active at a variety of intensity levels and abilities. The MUSC Wellness Center offers many healthy aging programs to support the area’s exponentially growing population of those 60 and older. “At every age and stage of life you experience, you need to redefine yourself in terms of exercise and nutrition,” said Janis New- ton, director of the MUSC Wellness Center. “Many seniors are surprised to learn that being active doesn’t really take that much effort at their age – even moderate exercise is good for you, and simple things like taking a walk every day can greatly benefit your health.” One of the biggest concerns that Newton hears from seniors is about maintaining balance and stability. “Understandably, the fear of falling and injuring yourself or breaking a hip is a major concern for any senior. An injury of that magnitude could significantly affect the rest of your life,” said Newton. The MUSC Wellness Center’s classes incorporate moves and activities that help seniors maintain and build coordination, stability and balance, as well as increase joint integrity to help lessen the probability of a fall. “These classes have infinitely more benefits than meets the eye. While your ability to balance increases, aerobic and strength training exercises help your bones and joints stay healthy, the exercise helps reduce the probability of chronic dis- ease and high blood pressure, and your brain is being exercised as well,” Newton continued. Exercise has a direct effect on the brain and can delay problems associated with old age like cognitive decline, dementia and Alzheimer’s . Newton emphasized that the best way to maintain a healthy brain as you age is to stay physically active. “You don’t have to know what to do, and many people don’t. Going to a health professional who can recommend the types of classes for your age and ability would be good to start with,” said Newton. Ultimately, exercise is one of the most important keys in being able to take care of yourself as you age, rather than having to have someone take care of you. “Exercise, be content and enjoy your life, no matter your age,” said Newton. “Taking care of your body is non-negotiable – it makes a difference at every age and stage; there’s no bones about it. If you currently lead a sedentary lifestyle, get out of your comfort zone and start a healthy lifestyle now. There’s still time for you to change your life.” Whether 65 is a long way away or has come and gone for you, the answer remains the same: a healthy, active lifestyle today and every day can lead to a longer, healthier and more independent life. While you took your baby steps many years ago, you can still write a great next chapter in your life by taking the first step now in a healthy new direction. Brain exercises help older adults stay sharper 10 years longer , according to the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study. Nearly 1/2 of adults with arthritis report no leisure-time physical activity, according to the Arthritis Foundation. Someone develops Alzheimer’s every 66 seconds in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. ACTIVE SENIORS By the Numbers Adults 65 and older need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Seniors who do strength training at least 2 days a week are 46 percent less likely to die from any cause, according to the Penn State College of Medicine Study. ¼ of Americans aged 65 and older fall each year, according to the National Council on Aging.