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The Pinecone
|
November 2014
“
It is what it is.” That’s what my brother always says when a problem arises. It’s his
excuse to avoid facing a difficult situation. Too often we just accept our conditions
without looking at options that could actually benefit us. Many times we avoid
exercise because of the way we think. Here is a list of some of the most common
myths about exercise and aging from Helpguide.org:
Myth 1: There’s no point to exercising. I’m going to get old anyway.
Fact: Exercise and strength training helps you look and feel younger and stay active
longer. Regular physical activity lowers your risk for a variety of conditions, including
Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure,
and obesity.
Just ask Mary Lou Watson or Richard Randall.
Myth 2: Older people shouldn’t exercise. They should save their strength and rest.
Fact: Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy for adults over 50.
Inactivity often causes older adults to lose the ability to do things on their own and
can lead to more hospitalizations, doctor visits, and use of medicines for illnesses.
Just ask Tom Chapman or Jane Kinney.
Myth 3: Exercise puts me at risk of falling down.
Fact: Regular exercise, by building strength and stamina, prevents loss of bone mass
and improves balance, actually reducing your risk of falling.
Just ask Martha Prewitt
or Charlene Wade.
Myth 4: It’s too late. I’m already too old to start exercising.
Fact: You’re never too old to exercise! If you’ve never exercised before, or it’s been
a while, start with light walking and other gentle activities.
Just ask Mabel Meck or
Guy Carter.
Myth 5: I’m disabled. I can’t exercise sitting down.
Fact: Chair-bound people face special challenges but can lift light weights, stretch,
and do chair aerobics to increase range of motion, improve muscle tone, and promote
cardiovascular health.
Just ask Doris Whitney.
At Kirby Pines we have options. We have a variety of exercise classes
from sit/stand class to water aerobics to Tai Chi. Check our schedule and
see what works for you. The Oasis has free weights and 10 different
machines to build strength and endurance. Mary Hand will be
glad to make an appointment with you to learn how to use the
equipment and start your own exercise program. The recently
refurbished Nu-steps are just waiting for you to give them a try.
Our in-house Rehab Facility Ready for Rehab can also help
with issues concerning balance and strength.
The Serenity Prayer [God grant me the serenity to
accept the things I cannot change; courage to change
the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference]
reminds me at times we really don’t have to accept,
“
It is, what it is.” Just maybe “what it is” isn’t what
it could be.
©Helpguide.org. All rights reserved. Helpguide.org
is an ad-free non-profit resource for supporting
better mental health and lifestyle choices for
adults and children.
EXERCISE SCHEDULE
FOR THE OASIS
Advanced Water Aerobics
Monday & Wednesday
8:30
am-9:30 am
Exercise in the PAC
Monday, Wednesday & Friday
9:30
am
Tai Chi
Monday
2:00
pm
Men’s Only Water Aerobics
Tuesday & Thursday
8:30
am - 9:15 am
Arthritis Foundation
Water Aerobics
Tuesday & Thursday
9:30
am - 10:15 am
Arthritis Foundation
Sit/Stand Class
Tuesday & Thursday
11:00
am - 11:45 am
It Is What It Is
Isn’t an Excuse!
