Exercise and weight management in old age
At this age, exercise can become difficult as your energy levels will tend to be lower and your body will be much more prone to injury. This can tremendously lower your motivation to exercise and can lead to frustration in men who used to revel in playing their favorite sports. A sedentary lifestyle lowers metabolic rate, and can lead to muscle atrophy, and increased fat storage.
What can be done?
While it may not be possible for men to be as active as they used to be, they are still more than capable of participating in exercise. They just have to modify their intensity levels or the duration of participation in exercise. Try to incorporate friends and family into these activities. Go ice-skating with your grandchildren or join a senior’s golf league. Just be sure that everything is done sensibly and in moderation. Exercise related strain or injury can be serious at this stage.
To maintain a healthy weight, be aware of the nutritional values of what you eat. Eat fruits and vegetables with various bright colors as these are typically indicative of important vitamins or minerals. Avoid processed foods, which typically are high in fat and low in nutritional value – instead opt for high fiber options which will make you feel full longer. Vitamin supplements can be taken in order to ensure that men receive minerals which may be harder to get in sufficient amounts.
