National Senior Health And Fitness Day - May 27

National Senior Health And Fitness Day - May 27

National Senior Health & Fitness Day is celebrated on May 27 this year and was created to promote the benefits of physical activity for seniors.

I talked last week about the two types of fitness and seniors need to look at both of these health areas. I have some great role models when it comes to being active. My parents learned how to swim when I was around 10 years old. They took up curling and baseball around this time as well. They didn't have the opportunity to learn these things when they were growing up, but they took the initiative to learn as an adult. They didn't let their fear of embarrassment get in the way. I started karate classes last month where I am the oldest female in our dojo surrounded mostly by men and kids. It takes some courage to go out and try something new, but as my parents taught me, you are never to old to try.

Now, neither myself or my parents where seniors when they started these new activities, however, I am proud to say that my mom still curls and she still plays baseball. There was even a gentleman in his late 80's who was still curling in her league. Unfortunately, years of being a dairy farmer have taken their toll on my dad and his legs just don't let him participate anymore.

There are some great opportunities to get involved in fitness activities - most with social benefits as well. Free activities such as mall walking are a safe and social way to increase your daily step count. Need something a little more daring? I have a colleague, who is a senior, who is running his first triathalon in June - Wow! He is an inspiration to my young boys who have been running traithalons now for three years.

Beverly's Hot Tips For Promoting National Senior Health And Fitness Day:

• Find an activity that you can get excited about:
  if running or walking alone bore you - walk with others who are also interested in the social opportunity of getting together - check out the local mall, hospital or fitness centre to see if they have a program that you can get involved in
• Look for opportunities to learn while you exercise - I hate monotony - so taking karate has been great - it is complicated, never the same and allows me to learn about the history at the same time
• Experiment - try something outside your comfort zone - you never know if it will be the spark that you are looking for - Maybe it will be curling, maybe it will be wall climbing - what about putting your skates back on
• Age is never a barrier - almost all activities can be modified - so put the excuses away and try something

As we age it is important that we make the time to take care of ourselves. Make the commitment to do one thing to increase your health-related fitness.

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