By Latha Raja Shankar, M.D., Chief Medical Officer and VP of Health Care Delivery, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico
As we celebrate the many joys that come with growing older, it’s vital to remember that our health and fitness play an essential role in maintaining our quality of life. May 28 is National Senior Health & Fitness Day, a perfect opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of staying active and healthy as we age. Keeping fit not only enhances our physical well-being but also boosts our mental health and social engagement.
Research shows that regular physical activity can help seniors manage chronic conditions, improve balance and coordination, and promote overall well-being. Engaging in fitness can stave off debilitating ailments, reduce the risk of falls and even enhance cognitive functions. However, exercising doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym or running marathons; it can be as simple as incorporating low-impact activities into your daily routine.
So, how can seniors stay fit and healthy? Here are some practical tips. Be sure to consult your health care provider for personalized recommendations:
- Stay Active Daily: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. This can include walking, swimming or cycling. If starting is difficult, try breaking this up into shorter segments. Even 10-minute increments can be beneficial!
- Strength Training: Incorporating strength exercises into your routine at least twice a week helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. Use resistance bands, free weights or even household items like water bottles as weights.
- Flexibility and Balance: Practicing activities like yoga or Tai Chi not only improves flexibility but also enhances balance, which is critical for preventing falls. Even simple stretching can improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness.
- Social Interaction: Joining group classes or community activities provides not only the physical benefits of exercise but also the mental and emotional boost of social engagement. It’s a great way to meet new friends and maintain a support system.
- Nutritional Choices: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains supports your fitness goals. Proper nutrition fuels the body for activity and helps maintain a healthy weight.
To put all of this into action, the City of Albuquerque, in collaboration with BCBSNM, will host a Senior Health and Fitness Day event from 9 a.m. to noon May 28 at North Domingo Baca Multigenerational Center, 7521 Carmel Ave. NE. This event is designed specifically for seniors and will feature low-impact exercise classes, a mini health fair, fall prevention activities and valuable wellness information. It’s a great opportunity to discover new ways to stay active, meet professionals who can guide you in your fitness journey and connect with your community.
Remember, it’s never too late to begin your health and fitness journey. Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to enhance your existing routine, every step counts. Join us May 28 to celebrate National Senior Health & Fitness Day and take the initiative to invest in your health. Learn more about staying healthy and fit at connect.bcbsnm.com.
If you have a health question that you would like to be considered in Ask a Health Care Professional, please email [email protected]. BCBSNM will select questions that may appear. Questions will not be personally answered. The opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and not necessarily those of BCBSNM. This column is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical care.
