You are never too old to eat healthy, get active and socialize.
May is Older Americans Month, and the Naperville YMCA is emphasizing the importance of being active and involved, no matter where you are in life. Naperville residents are encouraged to “Engage at Every Age,” developing behaviors that are crucial to healthy aging, including healthy eating, increasing physical activity and social interaction—especially those adults over 50.
Adults 50 years and older currently make up more than 30 percent of the U.S. population, and will soon represent 45 percent of all Americans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that adults 50 and older have a 70 percent chance of developing at least one chronic disease. While these numbers seem daunting, the good news is that making small lifestyle changes that include increasing physical activity, eating healthier and staying active socially can help older adults live better.
You are never too old (or too young) to participate in activities that can enrich your physical, mental and emotion well-being, If you need help, support or just a place to get started, community-based organizations like the Naperville YMCA provide the needed guidance to help older adults age well.
The Fry YMCA offers older adult swim programs that help increase physical activity and improve health. These programs provide opportunities for individuals to begin or continue an exercise routine in an environment that provides resistance, as well as buoyancy, which helps reduces stress on joints when compared to other physical activities like running.
While the CDC recommends that older adults get a minimum 30 minutes of moderate exercise or strength training per day, less than one out of three of American’s 65 and older meet these guidelines. Swimming and aquatic programs may reduce the risk of muscle loss as one ages and reduce the risk of osteoporosis as well as improve cardiovascular endurance, flexibility and mental well-being.
Your Naperville YMCA is ready for you, and looking forward to helping you engage in healthy living. To learn more call us at (630) 904-9595 or www.fryymca.org.
