Do you visit a Senior Center?

 

A few years ago, I borrowed a fabulous The Great Courses video lecture from my public library. It was Mind-Body Medicine: The New Science of Optimal Health with Jason M. Satterfield, Ph.D. Professor, University of California, San Francisco. 

You can see the details and purchase it here: Mind Body Medicine though it's rather expensive. You might want to check your library first and borrow it. (I am not an affiliate of The Great Courses so receive no fee if you choose to purchase this program.) 

What struck me about the program especially was Dr. Satterfield's attention to sociability, the necessity for people (not just seniors) to be around friends, have a good social support network. 

I found this incredibly valuable when I divorced at age 56 after 37 years of marriage. It was almost eerie; I'd been living alone while my husband worked out of town for a number of years, and found myself joining groups on singing, and monthly lecture groups, and getting out walking with friends a couple times each week. When the divorce came - it was quite sudden - I felt very fortunate to have this network of groups and friends as a social/emotional safety net. 

Now, a decade later, I live in Boise and have found my Senior Center to be a great place to go. They have many activities throughout the week from card playing to fitness classes, serve lunch daily (provided by Meals On Wheels), offer field trips to a lot of fun places. I've recently been to a winery, a model train museum, and have plans to participate in a dinner and holiday light display next week. (I LOVE holiday lights!) 

I also lead a monthly meditation class at the senior center, and will be speaking on a photography trip I took last month, with a slide-show of my Arches and Canyonlands National Parks sunrise and sunset photos. They are always open to suggestions on new/improved programs to offer our community.

If you have a Senior Center where you live, I hope you participate and have fun! Leave a comment and tell me about it! 

 

Would you like to be more flexible?

Do you have a regular routine to stay flexible and fit? If so, leave a comment and share what it is!

Along with some stretching videos, I walk nearly every day. I have a couple of three-mile routes around my neighborhood, and (because I'm a photographer and can't help myself) often take photos of fun things in the neighborhood. 

Let me introduce Mike. He's a physiotherapist in Australia specializing in Senior comfort, balance, strength, and flexibility. I do several of his routines daily. It is Very Important that you self-assess to be sure these videos are suitable to your level of ability. 

Important disclaimer: These are for informational purposes only, and are not intended to diagnose or treat any physical disabilities or ailments you may have. Please check with your medical professional before starting any exercise routine.

It is Very Important to go at your own pace, and don't do anything that hurts! If you go slower, or if you can't stretch out as far as he does, that is okay. Adapt or skip the ones that are too difficult. Don't push it. 

If you continue doing stretches daily, you will find yourself becoming more flexible over time.

I've chosen a couple of gentle stretching routines from his video collection. You can find exercises for specific areas on his channel.

Dynamic Stretch Warm-Up Exercises For Seniors | More Life Health

This 10 minute video is great for warm-up before other activities, and is a nice stand-alone stretch routine. 

10-Minute Exercise Video For Seniors - The Minimum Exercise To Maintain Strength and Get Stronger!

This 11 minute video (one minute of introduction!) is a series of simple, whole-body, strengthening movements. 

He does chair push ups in this one. I, personally, find it easier to do wall pushups. It's ok to adapt!

To find more videos, please visit his More Life Health YouTube Channel. 

You may want to check out his website, More Life Health.com too!