Prince DeesePrince Deese, an All American Wrestler, a Hall of Fame Football Player, and a State Champion Body Builder, is a certified personal trainer and strength conditioning specialist. Prince Deese and Gina Deese own A.C.T. by Deese, a Fitness & Training Center in Greensboro, NC.
Most seniors agree that slowing down the aging process is a critical concern. With age, appetites wane, sleep habits become a problem, muscle loss affects strength, and a less secure sense of balance can even jeopardize safety.
The answer is not to ignore the issues and hope for the best but to attack the problems with the zeal and interest that can guarantee a fuller, active lifestyle.
Exercise is the number one antidote for symptoms that are associated with aging. After 40, muscle mass starts to decrease, and the capacity for normal physical activity begins to diminish. With appropriate exercise, the loss of muscle mass can be reduced, allowing for the continuation of independent movement and strength.
Exercise, on a regular basis, helps to promote good sleep habits and productive rest periods, increases balance control that aids in preventing falls and injuries, and tends to elevate hunger levels which can result in healthier eating habits. Whether it’s a simple daily walk or a fully customized fitness program at a local gym, it’s important to begin developing a routine of regular movement. If possible, initial efforts should be designed and supervised by certified fitness trainers in order that movement is appropriate for individual body conditions. Where professional guidance and supervision is not available, initial stages of exercise routines should take care not to over-extend the beginning efforts.
A high protein diet is another significant remedy for the symptoms of aging. Whether because of denture problems, the side effects of medication, or the loss of digestive enzymes, seniors typically eat less protein as they grow older. Protein is essential to building the muscle tissue that protects and strengthens the bones, aids in preventing clinical edema, and assists in speeding up the wound-healing process. In instances of severe appetite loss or extreme disinterest in eating, liquid protein drinks can easily provide the essential macronutrient needed for muscle development. Studies reveal that a large percentage of all seniors eat less than the required amount of protein in their daily diets; those who do consume sufficient protein tend to live longer and have a better quality of life.
Seniors! Here is your challenge.
Take an inventory of daily activities to assess the time you are giving to a challenging exercise program. If possible, take advantage of a local fitness facility which offers free consultations and professional advice to address your personal needs. Begin your daily exercise regimen now to slow down the loss of muscle mass before dangerous levels of loss create an inability to move independently.
Assess your diet. Make certain that your daily food intake includes an adequate amount of protein in order to help your body rebuild the muscles which have already begun deteriorating. Consider adding a liquid protein drink to your daily consumption of nutrients. Vitamins and senior supplements will also be helpful in making certain that your body is receiving proper nutrition.
As always, it is important to check with your regular physician before making extensive changes in both diet and exercise.