AgeWise: Staying Active
By: Laine Baker
Updated: March 22, 2012
Exercising the body can help seniors stay healthy, and happy.
"Just to have the energy to enjoy life, and have the stamina to do the activities you want to do," said Dr. Larry Wright of the Schmieding Center.
Exercising the mind can keep the elderly sharp.
"Most people understand, they have heard the term 'use it or lose it,'" he said.
Staying social with family and friends can keep the soul strong.
"Part of the recipe for frailty is social isolation," Dr. Wright said. "Staying active is part of what gives us energy."
Dr. Wright said that all three factors: physical exercise, mental exercise, and a social life will keep seniors as healthy as possible, but they need to be active in all three to live life to the fullest.
"Inactivity is a threat to our independence, that is what people are interested in - staying independent," he said.
Dr. Wright encourages seniors to stay as active as they can, in any way possible. Get regular exercise, even if it's just daily walks. Read often to sharpen the mind. People can also join a club or group to interact with others.
"The only wrong answer is not doing anything," Dr. Wright said. "You need to be active."
For more information on senior issues, go to: www.SchmiedingCenter.org
"Just to have the energy to enjoy life, and have the stamina to do the activities you want to do," said Dr. Larry Wright of the Schmieding Center.
Exercising the mind can keep the elderly sharp.
"Most people understand, they have heard the term 'use it or lose it,'" he said.
Staying social with family and friends can keep the soul strong.
"Part of the recipe for frailty is social isolation," Dr. Wright said. "Staying active is part of what gives us energy."
Dr. Wright said that all three factors: physical exercise, mental exercise, and a social life will keep seniors as healthy as possible, but they need to be active in all three to live life to the fullest.
"Inactivity is a threat to our independence, that is what people are interested in - staying independent," he said.
Dr. Wright encourages seniors to stay as active as they can, in any way possible. Get regular exercise, even if it's just daily walks. Read often to sharpen the mind. People can also join a club or group to interact with others.
"The only wrong answer is not doing anything," Dr. Wright said. "You need to be active."
For more information on senior issues, go to: www.SchmiedingCenter.org
