Statistics suggest that despite the average male life expectancy now being just over 80 years, the average man will spend 16 of those years in poor health[1]. Leading causes of ill-health are often connected to mobility issues, joint pain, and muscle problems.
In this article, we explore tips to stay mobile, healthy, and active, which will improve your quality of life as you age. Be sure to have a health care plan developed in consultation with a qualified health professional.
Exercise
As the saying goes, “use it or lose it”. Being physically active allows you to use the muscles you have. Taking the time to exercise, especially with resistance based methods, means you can counteract the effects of age on muscle mass. You may not grow a lot stronger, but you won’t get any weaker. This decreases the likelihood of you having a fall and the injuries that often go with that.
Mind Exercise
It’s not just physical exercise that matters. Age tends to bring a slowdown in your pace of life which can reduce your mental activity. When you start slowing down, you’ll stop challenging your body and mind, and the result can even mean an increased risk of dementia or Alzheimer’s[2].
Less contact with others can reduce your feeling of self-worth and result in an increased likelihood of depression, further reducing your quality of life. Exercise can be a way to stay active but also to meet others, keeping you active mentally and socially.
Get Out of Your Comfort Zone
It’s easy to be comfortable, but that won’t help you to enjoy everything your later years have to offer. Set yourself a challenge to get outside of your comfort zone at least once a week, you never know where it may lead and what joy it will bring to your life. In other words, imagine saying yes to every opportunity you are offered.
Try A New Physical Activity
Yoga or other similar activities are often a new sport for older Australians, but they are a great way to de-stress and focus your thoughts. This is important as you age and just by learning something new, you can improve your quality of life.
Health Checks
It is essential to have regular medical and health checks as you age. Being proactive day-to-day is one thing, but catching any illness early increases the likelihood of it being cured which reduces the impact on your quality of life.
Written by Nathan C.
Nathan is passionate about fitness, including researching and writing about it.
References
[1] Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. The health of Australia’s males. 2019-12-10
[2] Gottlieb S. Mental activity may help prevent dementia. 2003-06-28
All articles are provided as general information and are not intended, nor may it be construed, as medical advice or instruction. Information and opinions expressed are believed to be correct and accurate to the best knowledge and judgement of the authors. Readers should consult their appropriately qualified health care professional prior to taking any action or inaction.