Sooner or later we all begin to realise that our body is ageing. One day you notice that you’re not as supple as you once were or that you get out of breath much quicker. This is natural and we all have to learn to accept that we are not as young as we once were.

What it doesn’t mean is that you have to surrender to decrepitude.  These days, people are remaining fit and active well into their eighties and beyond, it’s not just that they’ve been gifted with ’good genes’, it’s because they consciously work at maintaining their body, to keep it in the best possible condition. Here are a few tips to help you do the same for your body…

Invest in some exercise equipment

Going to the gym regularly is the best way to exercise, but you may not always be able to do that.  Having some simple exercise equipment at home, such as an exercise bike, means that you can work out in the comfort of your own home. Other great pieces of home gym equipment include resistance bands, and a yoga mat – perfect for stretching out tight muscle groups

Regular gentle exercise

Building regular exercise into your week is a great way to maintain your physical health.  Joining a yoga group will keep your body flexible and your mind calm, it will also give you a pleasant social experience.  Swimming is also an excellent way to keep in shape, as are indoor sports like racket ball or badminton.

10,000 steps a day

Ensuring that you walk at least 10,000 steps everyday will keep your weight down and your body healthy.  Once you’ve retired there is a temptation to adopt a sedentary lifestyle, spending too much time in front of a screen and only moving from one room to another. 

The less exercise you do, the more tired you will feel. You don’t have to be especially lazy to fall into this trap, especially when it’s winter and the weather is bad.  Invest in a FitBit or similar device and you will be able to monitor just how many steps you’ve taken each day.  This will give you the incentive to get out and make sure that you hit your 10,000 step target.  Taking up golf or getting a dog is another way to ensure that you get those steps in.

Mental and Emotional Health

It’s not just your physical health that counts, but your mental and emotional health too that needs looking after.

Keep your brain active

A crucial part of maintaining your overall health is to ensure that your brain doesn’t atrophy; it’s like any other muscle, it needs exercise, so keep it active with crosswords, sudoku, chess or any other mental activity which gives it a bit of a work out.

Financial anxiety

As we grow older, we worry about those we might leave behind.  Knowing that you have provided a legacy for your loved ones can bring important peace of mind.  Talk to your family about your plans for their future and make sure your will is up to date. Over 50s life insurance can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of financially. It can help with financial commitments such as outstanding bills and funeral costs.

It’s important to socialise

Loneliness is more prevalent amongst older people.  Activities like Personal Group Training Classes can help you gain friends whilst improving your physical health with a customised plan of action.