A Step Back in Time: How Life Used to Keep Us Active

If you're over the age of sixty, you likely remember a time when physical activity wasn't something that needed to be scheduled into your day - it just happened. Whether it was tending to the garden, cooking meals from scratch, or walking to the local shops, movement was built into everyday life.

I recall my grandmother using a twin-tub washing machine, a physically demanding task that involved a lot of lifting and bending. She would make fresh orange juice every morning and run up and down stairs without a second thought. These daily activities, while perhaps seen as routine, kept her active and healthy.

We also walked everywhere. I can still remember complaining the entire way home as we trudged back from the shops with a bag full of groceries. Life was definitely less convenient, but we were healthier because of it.

Making Exercise a Habit: It Doesn’t Have to Be Hard

For many seniors, the challenge isn't knowing that exercise is good for you, but finding the motivation to do it. It’s common for our clients to struggle with maintaining an exercise plan. The idea of adding 20 minutes of daily exercise may seem overwhelming, especially when it’s a new habit.

So, what’s the secret to making exercise a part of daily life?

Easy Ways to Sneak in Exercise at Home

The key is to start small and build from there. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to tackle a full workout all at once. Instead, try integrating some simple exercises into your daily routine.

For example, start with gentle lower back stretches or core exercises while lying in bed. When you’re in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil, try calf raises or balance exercises. And how about doing a few push-ups at the kitchen counter? You can even try sit-to-stands before meals, at the dining room table.

These small movements may seem insignificant, but over time, they add up. And before you know it, you’ll have established a habit that feels natural and easy to maintain.

The important thing is consistency - incorporate these small bursts of activity into your routine and build from there.

The Benefits of Staying Active

Remaining physically active as we age offers numerous benefits:

• Increased independence: Regular exercise improves strength and mobility, which increases the likelihood of living independently and staying in your own home.

• Reduced risk of falls: Exercise helps improve balance and coordination, which reduces the likelihood of falls—a major concern for seniors.

• Better energy and sleep: Physical activity boosts your energy levels and can help improve the quality of your sleep.

• Improved mental health: Exercise has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and combat feelings of anxiety and depression.

As you can see, staying active isn’t just about physical health - it benefits your overall wellbeing.

Need a Personalised Exercise Plan?

If you’d like to make sure you’re staying as active as possible in a way that works for you, we’re here to help!

We offer personalised in-home sessions for clients living in North Brisbane and Moreton Bay. Whether you prefer to exercise in the comfort of your home or join a group session, we can tailor a program to suit your needs and goals.

Funding is available, and we’re happy to help guide you through the process to ensure you can stay active and healthy.

Contact one of our friendly Exercise Physiologists or Physiotherapists today to get started and take the first step towards staying active and healthy.

Lauren Kelly
Exercise Physiologist, Healthy Connections