In the seventies and early eighties, I jumped on the fitness train; not realizing at the time that it was part of a baby boom trend (heck, I didn’t even realize it was a baby boom). I took high-impact aerobics classes, dance classes, and of course tried the Jane Fonda videotapes. Jane, who looked beautiful in stockings and tights, barely sweating, led us limp people through those complicated steps and vines (bulimic, but who knew?).
Somewhere along the way, I learned to love sweat, along with millions of other baby boomers.
Fast forward to 2014 and sadly, that fitness trend among baby boomers has flopped. According to recent reports, the number of baby boomers who exercise has dropped significantly, and more than half of us don’t exercise at all. This is a serious problem, because a person’s exercise habits and fitness level are directly related to a healthy life.
Later research shows that while we boomers live longer, we also have health problems and disabilities that are getting worse. More of us are developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Many boomers are obese, have type II diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and other debilitating health conditions. What is the use of living longer if we do not live better?
A great deal of research has shown that sedentary lifestyles, coupled with unhealthy eating habits, is what leads to many age-related disabilities and illnesses. Exercise has been shown to be a boon to our health in many ways. Here are some examples:
• Strength training and other weight-bearing exercises help protect our bones from osteoporosis.
• Strength training also helps us build and tone muscles. Since muscle burns more calories than fat, this helps us maintain a healthy weight as we age.
• Cardiovascular exercise helps us avoid heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, and more age-related conditions.
• Exercise, both cardiovascular and strength, helps keep brain cells alive and active to prevent dementias.
• Exercise improves sleep, which also improves the fitness of our brain.
• Exercise helps improve our mental health by helping us control depression and stress.
There are no excuses to exercise
• Join a walking group at a mall or an outdoor walking club. Walking costs next to nothing and is one of the easiest exercises to start with.
• Join a non-judgmental gym, like Planet Fitness. I read that there are gyms that cater to us, and that’s a huge trend, considering how many of us are alive and well.
• Work out in front of the TV: Fitness gurus like Leslie Sansone, Billy Blanks, Chris Freytag and many more offer a wide variety of DVDs for all fitness levels.
• Do you love the idea of a fitness class? Try Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, or even water aerobics. Many local communities offer classes through their Parks and Recreation departments, and most of them are reasonably priced.
• Get on your bike. Many communities offer bike trails and biking is great spring and summer exercise.
I don’t know about you fellow boomers, but I’m not necessarily afraid of getting old. What I fear is losing my health and my ability to enjoy life to the fullest. To that end, I will do everything I can to avoid those age-related diseases. Hell, I could dig up one of my old Jane Fonda videos.
