Make These a Part of Your Exercise Routine?

We all know how important it is to keep moving! But what gives us the maximum benefit, at least from the standpoint of being the most you can be (I sound like the old Army ad "Be all you can be") when you are older. The Washington Post ran this informative article, The longevity files: A strong grip? Push-ups? What actually can help you live to a ripe old age.

Here are some tips from the article--pushups, walking speed, sitting on the floor and standing up (known as sit-rise) and grip strength matter.  But those are not magic elixirs--instead they are representative of your ability,  "that you are still strong and nimble enough" to do them. "What these tests have in common is they’re good shorthand of things that matter for longevity: overall health, fitness and muscle strength. A fit person walks faster than someone out of shape, and getting up off the floor is tricky for people with weak bones and muscles."

As the article notes, there is no magic pill for longevity, but exercise does help... a lot. Even short amounts of exercise make a difference.  Oh and it's not just exercise; sleep matters as well as does diet.  Alcohol in moderation and keeping stress under control are also important.  Having friends and a purpose are also discussed in the article. 

This reminds me of so much of what we were taught in health and gym classes back in high school.  So now that you've read this post, read the article and then take walk.

 

Thanks to Professor Naomi Cahn for sending me the link to the article.