Photography by Kim Delatte
SUCCESSFULBeAGING
It’s Never Too Late To In Shape
By Bill Gvoich
Medical Wellness Program Director: Spectrum Fitness and Medical Wellness
Aging is associated with a decline in the body’s
ability to perform physically at a high level. This, in turn,
creates a negative impact on a person’s quality of life. It
is important to realize that this decline is a product of
both “disuse” and “age.” People who have been physically
inactive for many years will notice a decline in endurance
and strength, as well as a change in body shape. There is
an increase in body fat and a loss of muscle, which affects
their self-confidence in their physical capabilities. Many
adults perceive themselves as “too old” to improve. The
customary response is to be less active when in reality,
those adults should actually do more. They believe that
they should “take it easy,” and are surprised when they
“suddenly” seem to fall apart.
Research studies clearly show that exercise and
a healthy diet will slow down, and often reverse, agerelated functional decline. Resistance training two days a
week can strengthen muscles, improve bone density and
reshape the body. Daily cardiovascular exercise such as
brisk walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling can improve
heart health, circulation and endurance. Other health
benefits include better sleep, more energy, and a sense of
emotional and mental well-being.
A healthy diet becomes more important with age.
The human body is a living engine, which needs food as
fuel to meet its nutrient needs. The major culprits in the
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present obesity epidemic are excess sugar, fat and salt.
A healthy diet consists of a variety of whole foods that
provide lean protein, healthy fats and carbohydrates. Fresh
fruit and vegetables provide essential nutrients for good
health. Calories count.
Before starting any lifestyle change, it is important
that a team of health professionals, especially a personal
physician, be involved in the process. Small lifestyle
changes add up to big results. A high level of fitness and
better health are not given—they are earned. BRH&F