Diana Walters
Boomers, it is not inevitable that we physically decline as we age—slow down maybe—but we don’t have to accept becoming decrepit. Much of it is a matter of choice.
And even when we have stopped moving, it is possible to regain strength when we awaken to the fact that we’re on a downhill slope to decrepitude. The adage “Use it or lose it,” certainly has truth in it, but we can improve strength and flexibility at any stage.
Researchers at the National Institute on Aging have studied strength training for older adults.
They have shown that strengthening exercises can maintain or even improve seniors’ strength, balance, and stamina. There are numerous websites to guide your plan of action. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before beginning strength training or any other new exercise regimen.
In my work with seniors over the years I have observed many older adults physically improve with the aid of therapy and consistent encouragement by caregivers. I remember one woman on hospice care who fought her way back to independence and got off hospice. I’ve seen many a resident come to my workplace in a wheelchair, needing help to transfer onto a sofa or toilet, and eventually end up walking under their own power. It took time and patience, but it could be done.
It’s not easy, of course, but most things worthwhile are not easy. Perhaps you remember working your way up the ladder in the workplace. Or maybe you had to study hard to achieve good grades in school. Those goals took effort.
And maintaining or improving our strength as we age takes effort too. That’s what I need to remind myself, and maybe you need to be reminded as well. Do I want to end up needing a walker to get around? Do I want to be unable to take a stroll on a beautiful summer’s night? Do I want someone to have to take care of me? No, no, and no.
If it is unavoidable, I hope to have the grace to accept help. But if exercising 20 minutes every day will help me maintain my independence, I would be doing myself and others a disservice by not doing it.
What I write in this column is often very personal. I’ll confess I’ve had a hard time being motivated to exercise lately. But after visiting the doctor for my annual checkup and seeing my blood pressure and cholesterol a bit elevated, I’m renewing my commitment to do what I can to stave of decrepitude.
How about you?
If you are renewing your decision to become more fit, I’d love to hear about your journey. Maybe we can encourage each other.
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Diana Walters retired from paid employment at age 76. Now 77, she is again working half-time, volunteering, writing and spending time with her husband. She believes we all need a purpose to get up every day and not having one is the downfall of many a senior. One of Diana’s purposes is working on this weekly column. She enjoys hearing from readers and can be reached at dianalwalters@comcast.net.