Pain and aging - it seems that we see these two words together more and more these days. And for good reason. The health benefits of an appropriate fitness program are well documented - but on the face of it all – largely ignored with seniors.

Well, what happened? Are you so different than you were in your younger years? Ah yes, that was a time so unique, so special. You were strong then, and full of promise thinking you would live forever. Well, forever sure ain't what you thought it would be. Along came college, marriage, kids, jobs, more kids, grandchildren and the inevitable wow-what-happened-to-the-time reflection.

Remember when you used to look at your parents and marvel how age was creeping up on them? Well guess what – you’re now in their place and no longer the person you used to be. It seems everything works begrudgingly, if at all. Perhaps a little bit more unsteady, weaker on the stairs and less energy. And the brain now seems to have a mind of its own, often telling the body to walk into a room only to let it wonder why it’s there.
So does it all have to be that way? Is the body designed to give out and give pain? Does your brain really need to take inventory of every new creak, twinge, ache, and strain that now assaults your body? Not at all! It’s just that many seniors think, “Well, if I had known I was to live so long, I'd have taken better care of myself.”

And that’s the crux of the matter. Our body becomes frail because we have not used it properly, the way it was designed to be used. And interestingly, those who need it most partake of it least. There’s enough information available for seniors today to understand that exercise and nutrition go hand in hand to build strong bones and muscles. Together they help reduce blood pressure and that nasty gunk that tends to build up in the arteries. It’s that stuff your doctor keeps hollering at you about – called plaque. Yechh.

Anyways, it’s been said (by your doctor – remember?) that exercise is good for you in many ways. But I’m willing to bet that many seniors already know every reason why they should avoid it.

Well, let me also give you a few reasons why you should partake of it. When you carry a sack of groceries up a flight of stairs, your heart will not feel like it’s pounding a mile a minute. Your leg and hip muscles will be strong enough to actually propel you up the stairs without having to hang on to the railing. And when you come down again, you won’t have to worry about doing a nose plant down the first five steps because your strength gave out.

So now you’re ready to get going? No more beating around the bush, right? You’re going to lift yourself up by the bootstraps and get all fired up? I can see you pushing it to the limit and pulling out all the stops get the ball rolling and let it all hang out.

What’s that, right after your morning paper? C’mon now, you’ve already had your coffee, took your pills and feigned a couple of squats and stretches. If you’re waiting for something to fit your lifestyle, then you should have done that 30 years ago. Your concern now is to lose a few pounds and get moving in order to avoid shortness of breath, weak knees, painful arthritis and high pharmaceutical bills.

Ok, so we’re mobile, now what’s in the exercise plan? There’s lots to do out there that fits into the category of fun. You can walk or take a daily swim, bike a blue streak, or yoga and Tai Chi till you’re wobbly with serenity. Ask at your local YMCA or Parks & Recreation Society about available programs for seniors. These places might even have qualified instructor who will teach you to become one with your “Inner Arnold.”
If that doesn’t sound like fun, then you can accept chronic pain and get cranky to the point of curmudgeonism. But I pity the next salesman that rings your doorbell.