More exercise please

As a retired senior, I am watching the Olympics with a sigh. Knowing that I could not compete in any of the events made me just a little bit envious about the energetic young people who are competing. Then I saw Dara Torres at age 41 win a silver medal in her swimming event. She has won three silver medals and is older than the combined ages of the gold and bronze winners of one of the events. I also caught a glimpse of a gray haired gentleman preparing to compete in an Olympic sailing event after he failed to win a medal 40 years ago. And I believe that at least one of the female marathon runners is in her late thirties. I enjoy cheering for the older Olympic competitors. Yeh, yeh, I also cheer for the younger ones and competitors from other countries. Who am I kidding? I truly enjoy the games.
My husband, son and I were happy to attend the Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia in 1996. Yes, we were there, but in bed, when the bomb went off. That did not diminish our excitement in watching the games and talking to people from other countries. We could not afford to go to Sidney, Australia in 2000 or to Beijing, China this year. Maybe we can go to London, England in 2012. If not, there is always television.
But these games are encouraging me to get up and get moving. The longer I sit, the stiffer I get. The only exercise that I’ve had lately has been on the golf course. I am becoming a nut about the game. Imagine, me, a former anti-golf person enjoying the game as much as I am. The main reasons are (1) fresh air and exercise, (2) fun even if I’m not good at golf, (3) playing at any age, (4) hubby and I play together, and (5) the friendly people on the golf courses.
When the weather is too cold for me to play, I will do country line dancing, Tai Chi, walk and swim at the recreation center.
Check with your doctor first, but you also can be more physically active. If you are not a member of a recreation center or a YM or YWCA, try joining one. If you are not near one or your budget won’t allow membership, then try walking at a mall or on your street. Get a friend or partner to join you. Chair exercises help alleviate stiffness and most seniors can do it. Bowling or dancing with friends on a bi-weekly basis and lifting weights such as small barbells (use soup cans if barbells aren’t handy.) may help you physically.
As we get older, we must seek out physical activities that will keep us healthy and happy. And don’t forget to exercise your brain. I will discuss mental exercises later.