One of the fundamental habits of a super-ager is consistent movement. Being physically active, including building muscle and managing cardio health, helps people thrive as they age. Being physically fit as we age offers a range of benefits, including:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Keeping a healthy heart
- Preventing bone loss, falls and injuries
Here’s how:
Maintaining a healthy weight can extend your life- Obesity is a contributor to many causes of death including heart disease and cancer. Having a healthy BMI contributes to longevity. Keeping your weight at an optimal level makes it easier to exercise, remain flexible, and ambulate. Some of the easiest ways to manage a healthy weight include:
- Adopting a plant-based lifestyle
- Monitoring serving sizes and portions
- Having a healthy social life
- Regular exercise
Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight contributes to the super-ager lifestyle and helps your body stay fit and healthy no matter your age.
A Healthy Heart Can Extend Your Life
Heart health is vital. Our heart contributes to nearly every function of the body. Super-agers rely on heart health to stay physically and emotionally fit. Regular cardio helps the heart oxygenate the blood and maintain healthy blood pressure and heart rate. Increased stamina helps keep the body functioning well and regulates a better sleep/wake cycle. Some of the easiest ways to increase heart health are:
- Eating an anti-inflammation, heart-healthy diet
- Engaging in cardio activities 30 minutes per day
- Lifting weights
- Avoiding smoking
- Drinking alcohol in moderation
Heart health is a primary indicator of overall health. Maintaining a healthy heart is a fundamental part of achieving a super-ager lifestyle.
Healthy Muscles Can Extend Your Life
Super-agers understand the benefits of healthy muscles. Healthy muscles promote stability, strength, and prevent bone loss. As we age, we become more prone to poor balance, falls, and other injuries.
Strength training can prevent many illnesses and injuries and increase mobility, independence, and vitality. Being sedentary can lead to bone loss, mental decline, loss of independence, and mental health issues like depression. Typical ways to increase muscle mass and strength include:
- Lifting weights 2-3 times a week
- Resistance training
- Dancing
- Sports activities
There are lots of ways to build muscle and prevent injuries. Super-agers tend to have more muscle mass and work out regularly to maintain healthy muscle, bones, and strength.
Eating well and exercise are both important contributions to a super-ager lifestyle. While you don’t have to run marathons… though there’s no reason not to, adopting a regular and meaningful exercise lifestyle will help you live longer and be more independent.
