After reading that lifelong exercise may prevent precursor to Alzheimer's I started wondering if this would motivate more people to be active. From the feature:
If you exercise you probably have your own reasons for doing it. Maybe you want to lose weight or work off stress. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found another reason for regular exercise. It reduces the likelihood you'll develop mild cognitive impairment. MCI is a precursor to Alzheimer's.
While I enjoy walking the dogs to get outside and keep them from bouncing off the walls of our home, this extra reason doesn't hurt. That said I'm not sure it would be the first, second or third thing in my mind while tying my shoes before hitting the trail. Would it motivate you?
Do the immediate benefits of physical activity motivate you more than long-term health returns? How do you think about lifelong exercise? And how do you stay active and healthy? This is an open discussion, so comments or links to your related Gather articles, photos, and video are welcome!
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Julia Schrenkler
Interactive Producer
Minnesota Public Radio
American Public Media
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Comments: 14
Actually I do a few things that others probably won't understand at all.
First my diet -
I include Vitamins for many reasons, like B12 for my nerves going down my legs and out my arms, E as it's a blood thinner as well as an anti-oxidant, along with several others on a bit of a strange weekly dose.
Then I eat a lot of natural Pea-Nut Butter, as it is good for the synapses in the brain, and because I like it a lot.
And then there's Honey. I go thru about a quart every three or four months
Then 4 oz of booze every day just because that is good for you.
I also include Onions, Rice and Oat Meal a lot in my diet.
I worked way too long with the Doc's to not have some of their advice rub off on me.
And I try to exercise
And I try to get my eight hours of sleep every day
And I take a nap in the afternoon
Now with the spring weather, I bike to work. It's about 16 miles one way, but a stunningly beautiful route along the south side of the Mississippi.
1/2 hr walk 3-4 times a week
Throwing batting practice to 6th graders(that's the toughest, I'm Roger Clemmens age and might need steroids too)
Get your ass off the couch folks! No matter how old you are! I'm not saying you have to run marathons.
My grandma lived till she was 104. Lived in her own house until 101. Bathroom on the second floor. 1/2 acre garden. Went to mass every day. Liked to put extra salt on her sausage that she fried in lard. Had one pony beer or "a little brandy" a few times a week. 45 grand children 100+ greats. Every day she had a reason to get out of bed and got her ass moving. Sure, she didn't feel great each day, but she kept the body moving. Fell down the basement stairs at age 101. She was mad because they put her on the "old peoples" side of the nursing home instead of the "recovering peoples" side of the nursing home.
Moderation and keep moving. It's that simple.
Turn off the computer, girlfriend.
Can't write and listen at the same time, so I have to do one or the other.
Purely anecdotal, but my MIL has always been a fit-and-trim walker. Guess what she is fighting? Yep. Alzheimers. :-(
And her husband, my FIL, barely moves away from his voracious reading and crossword puzzles. I bet he'll last as long as his relatives, well into his 90s or early 100s.
It's in the genes besides what we can do for ourselves. Who knows? If my MIL weren't such an avid walker, she might have succumbed by now. :-(
For the record, my in-laws are wonderful people, deeply loved.
After the last couple of days who wouldn't be tempted to bike-commute too, Greg. Off topic: Did Collins contact you about the bike ride segment?
Winston, yoga? Really? I like the sound of that, but bet the batting practice is more fun.
To be more serious, I'm sorry your MIL has Alzheimers, and hope your family is doing the best they can with it. Your point about genes is a good one.
Deb A. sounds like you're using golf as exercise and not just a break between drinking and driving a golf cart. Three to four times a week?! You're bound to be the object of envy by the golfers here.
Sorry to hear that, Connie, it is obvious you miss it. Seven miles a day (except Sunday) would be a great amount of fresh air and motion. Do you still connect with your friend?
Yoga and Pilates - early in the morning, another 3 to 4 times a week.
I eat as healthy as possible, take Juice Plus and herbal supplements, and eat raw (local) honey to help combat allergies. I also drink a glass of wine at least 4 times a week, and eat one square of dark chocolate a day.
I have 5 grandkids, and counting! That's why I stay motivated. They're hard to keep up with!
http://buzz.prevention.com/community/emily09/the-sneaky-fit-plan