Preventive Habits for a Longer, Healthier Life

Health and longevity in life are not simply measured by the quantity of years, but by the quality that accompanies them. The daily habits we make impact our wellness today and in the future. The following preventive practices can help support long-term health and quality of life. Eat Nutritiously Fill your daily diet with a variety of colorful, nutrient-rich foods. Aim to incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables to obtain the necessary vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants. Focus on choosing nutrient-dense whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Pay attention to food labels, consider your portion sizes, and be mindful of your food choices. Practicing mindful eating will help you be more intentional and thoughtful when it comes to deciding what, when, where, how much, and how often you eat. Move Often Keep your body moving! Incorporating regular physical [...]

Move for Longevity: Strength & Mobility for the Years Ahead

Aging can come with its fair share of health concerns. However, maintaining the ability to move well doesn’t need to be one of them. Incorporating routine exercise can help you keep your range of motion, strength, endurance, balance, and flexibility. It helps minimize the risk of age-related injuries and enhances your ability to perform daily tasks. As we age, we still want to be able to accomplish things like carrying groceries, climbing stairs, and lifting our grandkids. Keeping movement a priority will bring more longevity and independence to your years. Cardio Exercise Cardio exercise is necessary for overall health and wellness, but regular movement also helps maintain mobility over time. It aids in managing conditions like arthritis by decreasing pain and stiffness and improving joint function. Regular cardio movement will help sustain and increase your stamina and endurance as you [...]

Exercise and Aging: Maintaining Mobility and Health as You Grow Older

Physical activity is a leading component of healthy aging and maintaining mobility. However, exercising consistently and adapting your routine as needed can be challenging to navigate. We can begin by exploring the necessary elements to incorporate into a balanced exercise routine and the benefits of regular activity. Functional Exercise According to the American College of Sports Medicine1, “Functional Fitness describes exercises that are designed to help us maintain our physical independence. The goal is to replicate movement patterns we use in everyday life (aka activities of daily living or ADLs) in order to keep us strong and mobile.” Whenever you sit or stand from a chair, you perform the components of a squat. Step-ups imitate the motion of walking up or down stairs. A farmer’s walk with dumbbells or kettlebells simulates walking while carrying items like groceries. Incorporating strength movements [...]