Slowing the Aging Process with Activity

Let’s face it, aging is inevitable. While some may argue and think it is genetics that control people and how they age; I would love to argue with them and say they can in fact slow down the process with a proper diet and strenuous exercise. If a person is able to maintain a fit schedule which includes eating healthy and keeping their heart rate up and running they will live longer. Exercise takes on a new meaning as people age, just as diet does. The aging process is visible on the outside, and what we can't see on the inside is aging and changing too. Yes, people see the wrinkles and stretch marks, but when exercising, you are satisfying the body’s needs internally such as your heart, brain, limbs and bone tissue.

Our bones age and in that process they lose density same with our heart, lungs and other internal organs. They don't have the strength and stamina that they once had as an individual gets older, but exercise is still essential for aging well and staying active. Endurance is crucial for the body in terms of staying young and healthy. Endurance is measured by the body’s ability to get oxygen to all the working muscles of the body.

Once a person reaches the age of 50, the body’s oxygen and circulatory system which includes oxygen flowing through the body, it begins to decline by one to two percent a year, due primarily to diminished enzyme activity in the heart muscle. Exercise on the other hand, stimulates the heart muscle enzymes. In the end, exercise will go along way for people, it will have a long term effect on individuals but this also includes eating healthy and putting the proper nutrients in your body to help your body recover faster from doing these strenuous workouts.

Aging Awarness

Statistically, it is proven that older athletes are much more likely to injure themselves than younger athletes today who are doing the same sport. However, looking at a more positive note, it has been found that even when accounting for their likelihood of injury, older athletes tend to be physically better off than the average person of their same age. For all athletes, a careful period dedicated to warming-up consisting of stretching and balance is key to reducing the chance of injury.

Balance is pivotal when doing any kind of physical activity, especially older athletes. Mainly because they are more susceptible to injuring themselves that will have long term effects for the rest of their life. This includes hematomas, artificial ligament replacements and many other serious consequences. Also another important factor is the sweat production and allowing the body to cool down and to increase blood flow to the skin. Blood flow to the skin in older, fit athletes is lower than in younger athletes. The lower blood flow associated with increasing age appears to be independent of hydration state. It also appears that, although sweat-gland recruitment is similar to that of younger athletes, older athletes produce less sweat per gland. Older athletes should be aware of the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. They should also be aware that most heat exhaustion occurs before heat acclimatization. All in all, athletes should be careful of higher intense workouts when being acclimated to a new environment until their body is fully capable of performing.