Exercise: You’re Never Too Old

By Eunice Trotter

Warren Engelhardt works out five days a week.  He participates three times a week in the rehabilitation program and twice a week in exercise at the retirement community where he lives. He turns 100 years old in September, but he can flex a bicep as hard as a rock.

Florence May Rumrill completed six Indianapolis Life 500 Festival Mini-Marathons while in her 80s, walking the 13.1-mile course in Downtown Indianapolis with thousands of other walkers. She’s now 93 and still loves to walk at the retirement community where she lives.

Need more proof that exercise is good for people of any age? Carolyn Gaugh is 91 and participates in various activities at her retirement community, American Village. People who meet her can’t believe she’s 91: She loves the thrill of a wild State Fair ride, was a passenger in an IZOD IndyCar in late May and rode three laps around the 500-Mile Race track at 180mph in the Indy Car Experience.

These stories may seem out of the ordinary, but they aren’t unique – and they aren’t impossible to achieve. Active seniors live longer, fuller lives, which is hopefully a motivator for people of any age to get moving on a regular basis.

Still not sure why you need exercise, no matter how old you are? Take a look at some of these facts:

• Daily physical activity may reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and mental decline even in people older than 80, reports Neurology Magazine.
• Exercise makes your brain “brighter,” says MSNBC – one 2007 study showed that a 12-week aerobic exercise program increased blood flow to the brains of adults ages 21-45.
• Exercise even helps protect your bones and prevents fractures, says The People’s Pharmacy.
• Some experts even believe exercise is the true Fountain of Youth!

It’s never too early OR too late to get healthy and fit – find what’s right for you and start moving!

Guest blogger Eunice Trotter is the communications specialist for American Senior Communities. This blog gives just some examples of activities in which seniors can participate to stay active. For more information about community events at American Senior communities, visit www.ASCSeniorCare.com.