Cheryl Greenberg, Ed.D.Dr. Cheryl Greenberg, Ed.D., works as a coach, or guide, for seniors and their families as they consider and plan for changes in their personal and work lives. Contact her at theagecoach@gmail.com or 336-202-5669.
When it comes to exercise, there’s “can’t do,” “should do,” and “can do.”
The “Can’t Do” Myth
In a casual conversation with friends, you might hear: “Exercise?! There is no way that I can keep up with a class at the gym,” or “If I drop something, I can’t get on the floor to find it. I would not be able to get back up!”
Have you heard these comments? Are they true reflections of an older person’s capabilities?
Janice Lennard is a 72-year-old yoga instructor. After decades of ballet and a total hip replacement, she decided that yoga would be gentler for her body. So, she began to teach, make videos and, in general, provide thoughtful advice to reluctant yoga students.
As Ms. Lennard said in a GrowingBolder.com interview, “You are never too old to do yoga and Pilates, or any exercise. Just know your limitations and do what you can.”
Janice feels active and engaged. As an instructor, she is a positive role model. She continually demonstrates that keeping one’s body and brain challenged and flexible is possible as a person gets older.
The “Should Do” Realities
The list of benefits of exercise is long. It includes, among other “realities”:
- Exercise can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, several types of cancers, falls, and pain.
- It can improve bone and muscle strength, balance, energy, sleep, and mood.
- It can improve brain function!
- And folks who exercise with a partner or in a group can socialize while they move, another great way to reduce risks and improve health.
There is also a long list of appropriate exercises. Individuals vary in their ability and interest; they can select what works best for them.
- They may walk, jog or swim.
- Some join exercise classes such as Silver Sneakers or water aerobics.
- Others dance, play tennis, softball or pickleball.
- Weights, bands, bikes, and balls can also be part of an exercise program.
- There are martial arts, such as Tai Chi, and many types of yoga.
The “Can Do” Yoga
Yoga is a practice for the body. Through a variety of body poses, which can be selected and adapted to meet the needs of the individual, yoga improves flexibility, balance, and strength. Yoga can improve heart and respiratory function and help manage symptoms of some chronic conditions, such as back pain and osteoarthritis (see Harvard Health Publishing).
Yoga is also a practice for the mind involving focus, mindfulness, controlled breathing, and awareness of the mind-body connection. It can reduce stress and anxiety, improve the sense of calm and focus, and, overall, increase one’s feeling of wellbeing.
If you have an established exercise plan, great! Keep going to the gym, walking, swimming…
But you may also want to give yoga a try.
WebMD.com describes twelve poses for beginners. What will you try? Mountain, Plank, Downward-Facing Dog … or Warrior I!
Would you like help planning a healthy and positive “Third Stage”? Contact Dr. Greenberg to talk about your possibilities.