Aging – Page 25 – Irene Pastore Fitness.com

Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality

August 20, 2013

DON’T SETTLE FOR GETTING OLD

Published in 1992 by Fireside Books, Biomarkers was written by William J. Evans, PH.D, and Irwin H. Rosenberg, M.D.

If you’re interested in staying active, fit and independent into super old age, then buy a copy of this groundbreaking book.

Biomarkers is based on a study by the Tufts University Medical School, and is one of the most important books ever published about the positive effects of exercise on the human body.

Based on medically proven research, the authors reveal that frailty and chronic disease are not caused by aging, but by inactivity and poor nutrition. With that in mind, both young and old are given hope that remaining vital and healthy is a reality, no matter your chronological age.

Yoga Improves Senior Balance

August 15, 2013

THE TREE POSE

There are many types of Yoga poses: standing, seated, twists, balancing, lying on your back, abdomen or side.

Balancing poses may be done while standing, seated, or on your hands.

Yoga can strengthen overall, and deep core muscles that are important for maintaining good balance.

If you’re over 55 and would like to learn a beginner level standing balancing pose, consider the Tree Pose a good choice. The pose can be modified to suit individual ability.

HOW TO DO TREE POSE

Set up the pose as shown in the photograph above.

Stand on your right foot for 10 to 30 seconds. Repeat on your left foot.

If you’ve never balanced on one foot, it might be difficult at first. Just keep practicing, and don’t overdo it.

It’s traditional to do Yoga barefoot. However, if you feel more comfortable wearing shoes, that’s fine, as long as the soles are non-skid.

Practice the Tree Pose on a non-slippery floor. If you want to invest in equipment, purchase a sticky mat. Go barefoot while using a mat. Socks can bunch up on a sticky mat, and cause you to trip.

HOW TO MODIFY TREE POSE

Use A Wall For Support

Stand facing a wall. Place both hands on the wall for support, instead of having your hands in front of you. Hands are shoulder width apart.

Use A Lower Foot Position

Place your foot on the lower part of your leg, instead of higher up.

Why Older Adults Need Core Strength

August 13, 2013

INJURIES FROM FALLS ARE INCREASING

Falls in older adults are becoming more common. Seniors who fall, may suffer serious injury, or death.

Falling down isn’t a natural part of aging. It doesn’t have to happen. Prevention can go a long way to protect you.

Once injured from a fall, many older adults develop a fear of falling again. They may limit their activities, hoping to prevent another fall.

THE STORY OF JULIAN SACKS

After taking a fall in the New York City subway in 2008, Julian Sacks fell again. He lost interest in life, stopped eating, and died. The story was reported on ABC News.

STATISTICS FROM THE CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Every year 1 out of 3 adults 65 and over falls.
20 to 30 percent of people who fall, suffer moderate to severe injuries, such as cuts and bruises, fractured hips, and head injuries.
The most common areas subject to breaks, are the pelvis, spine, forearm, leg, hip, upper arm, and hand.
Most fatal falls occur at home.

HOW CORE TRAINING HELPS SENIORS

A stronger core means you’re more stable, while going about your daily activities.
Strengthening core muscles helps to maintain your independence.
Core strength improves your balance. You’re going to stop falling.
Life becomes more pleasant, when you lose your fear of taking a fall.

Running Marathons Past 90

March 17, 2013

Like they say, it’s never too late. Jonathan Mendes 93, runs marathons in New York City. He started running at 46, after quitting smoking two packs a day. He stands 5’6″, and weighs 160 lbs. He says you must have goals in life, and it’s no disgrace to fail, only not to try.

Mendes got motivated to exercise after his doctor told him that he’d lose the desire to smoke, if he ever saw the diseased lungs of a smoker during an autopsy. With that, Mendes quit cold turkey.

Soon after he started jogging with a neighbor, and then took to running longer distances as he got stronger.

Read the full story, After 90 Years What’s Another Marathon? in the November 6, 2010 issue of the New York Times.

Body Building At 93

November 5, 2012

Dr. Charles Eugster, a British dentist decided to take control of his aging process. At 87, he hired a personal trainer, and learned how to improve his health through strength training.

Anyone can do this. The doctor said so himself. And it’s true, because it’s never too late. Dr. Eugster has set an example for people over 50.

He took the time to improve his health and appearance and became a positive role model, for people of his generation, which, for the most part, are in bad shape.

Dr. Eugster hasn’t done anything amazing. His actions are amazing, because he is so different than most people. Taking control of his health at an advanced age is highly commendable.

Click the links to read the story in the International Business Times, and MSN.

If you’re over 50, and want to start exercising, pick up a copy of Biomarkers: The 10 Keys to Prolonging Vitality, at Amazon.

Here are links to the story in the International Business Times, and MSN.

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Super Fit When You’re Super-Old

October 23, 2012

Johanna Quaas, 86 Year-Old Gymnast competes at Cottbus World Cup in Germany.

Gymnast Johanna Quaas has been active her entire life. She started competing at the age of 57, and has won 11 medals in senior gymnastics competitions. There’s no secret here. It’s just committment, dedication, and hard work.

Thankfully, Johanna Quaas defies the stereotype of what it’s like to be an 80 year-old woman. She’s what’s possible if we stay active.

It’s safe to say that when asked, most people would like to be in good shape as they age. In June 2012, the Centers for Disease Control reported that more Americans are exercising, while obesity is rising.

Obesity interferes with normal range of motion, making exercise difficult. It also places more strain on the heart and lungs, causing them to work harder, than someone of normal weight.

Everyone should be concerned about aging. Getting old doesn’t mean you’ll be on automatic deterioration mode. On the other hand, if you want to be dependent, frail, chronically ill, and medicated, when you get old, all you have to do is neglect your health.

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