Aging and Exercise

By Will Llamas and the TLS Team

Many studies have revealed that exercising can prolong one’s life. Exercise is vital in maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle. But, as we age and get to be in our 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, we tend to slow down. Most people see the later years as a time to relax and stop exercising. This should not be the case.

In reality, the more we age, the more we need to be active. Healthy young adults can afford to stay sedentary for long periods of time, but as we get older, staying active is necessary for normal body functions to work properly.

According to Dr. Keith Veselik, associate professor in the Department of Medicine at Loyola University, “Exercise is important for almost everyone. There are very few medical conditions that exercise won’t benefit. In fact, I sometime write a prescription to get my patients to start taking this seriously and help them understand exercise can be just as helpful as medication.”

Metabolisms start slowing down around age 35. If your normal diet stays constant, more exercise is then needed to regulate calorie burn as you get older. A healthy metabolic rate can then keep the body running smoothly and in turn, extend one’s life.

The most important thing to remember is to exercise smart. If you haven’t been active in a while, it is recommended that you consult with a fitness coach to learn your limits. Also, motivation may be tough at times, but a workout plan created by fitness professional, and a supporting community, can help push you to become a healthy individual.