EXERCISE YOUR WAY TO HAPPINESS

As we Boomers become older there is overwhelming scientific evidence that physical exercise is vital for our health, happiness and well-being. Exercise keeps the heart strong by keeping the blood vessels open as well as ensuring the brain cells get all the nutrients they need for peak performance. Neurobiologist Robert Dustman, MD showed that aerobically fit people had brain waves associated with alertness and mental acuity including memory. Further testimony to the value of exercising on mental acuity especially for aging Boomers is the number of years an individual engages in physical exercise and their current aerobic capacity can predict how they will do on a test of information processing. In turn, other studies have shown that retirees who become couch potatoes and fail to exercise or engage in some form of extended physical activity such as walking or working in the yard show a significant decline in their blood flow to the brain which results in diminished memory and recall, difficulty processing information and difficulty multitasking.

In addition to improving brain function and mental acuity, physical exercise can lower blood pressure, increase strength and stamina and improve flexibility. Recognizing the benefits to older Boomers more and more health clubs are adapting to changing demographics and offering exercise programs for older individuals. Examples include programs focusing on, cardiac rehabilitation, osteoporosis, high blood pressure and arthritis.

Physical exercise can also be a very effective treatment for depression. Studies show that individuals suffering from depression who engage in a structured exercise program show a reduction of anger, fatigue and tension. One of the reasons is the release of endorphins into the brain promotes a sense of well-being and happiness akin to what is know as the “runner’s high’ which is also attributed to the release of endorphins to the brain. Another benefit of exercise for people who have signs of depression is an improvement in their moods, vitality, alertness and sense of well-being. Taking these points into account, one psychologist suggested that exercise is the best non-pharmacological anti-depressant we have!

One of the most pressing public health issues in this country is obesity. Current estimates put it at 30% of individuals 20 or older or 60 million people. The situation is somewhat for older people. According to the Centers for Disease Control 76% of men and 71% of woman between 65 –74 are over weight or obese. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, life expectancy in the U.S. may drop by up to five years because of obesity and its side effects. These side effects include: hypertension, high cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, sleep apinea and other respiratory diseases and some cancers.

Despite the obvious side effects of obesity a surprisingly high number of seniors report little or no interest in losing weight. The Surgeon General suggests that among individuals 65 and older only 43% of men and 53% of woman claim they are interested in losing weight. This seemingly indicates there is need for a national communications and educational program targeted to senior encouraging them to exercise and lose weight.

While on the subject of weight, lets not neglect the importance of what we eat. The key to losing weight is to use more calories than we consume. Moderate exercise will certainly help us use up calories, how much is debatable. For example a moderately paced 30 minute walk will burn less than 200 calories. Not much when you consider that to lose one pound one must use up 3500 calories than you take in as food. Obviously, exercise coupled with a reduction in calories is the answer. You could engage in moderate exercise for 30 minutes a day, for example, walking, then choose low fat low calorie food, eat smaller portions, and drink water instead of sodas that are very high in sugar.

If we have learned anything about achieving happiness and well-being in the Second Half it is we are in control of our destiny. This is especially true as it relates to our physical and mental well-being which both can be enhanced through proper exercise and diet. So if you feel a little sluggish and note the love handles are getting larger, do something about your diet and exercise habits. You’ll feel much better when you do!