How is Your "Body" Bank Account?
Many people are financially preparing for retirement. They have their 401k program, savings plan, real estate investments, etc. However, how many are preparing "physically" for retirement?
As we age, it is obvious that our bodies change. Two of the major changes that occur, are a loss of muscle mass and a decrease in bone density. Both of these changes impact our ability to function independently and enjoy a high quality life. We cannot stop the aging process. However, we can impact the rate at which our muscle mass and bone density decrease.
Just like the wise financial planner that makes investments over the years to help insure his/her financial independence later in life, we can also make physical investments to help increase the likelihood of maintaining physical independence throughout our lives.
Each time we exercise, especially weight bearing or resistance (weight) training, we make a deposit in our "muscle mass and bone density" account. The more deposits we make, the better physically prepared we are to age. The aging process will "chip" away at our muscle mass and bone density. If we haven't built up a reserve, then the tasks of daily living become difficult or even impossible. Getting in and out of a chair, for example, becomes a whole body event. It starts with a scoot to the front of the chair. A quick leaning of the upper body forward, followed by a push off the arm of the chair, hoping there is enough momentum to stand up. All of this movement, because the legs have become too weak to lift the body from a seated position.
Strength improvements have been documented in people in their 90's. It is not too late to start if you haven't done so already. Just like a financial savings plan, the earlier you start and the more frequent (consistent) the exercise deposits, the more withdrawals (decreasing of muscle and bone through aging) we can make without substantially impacting our quality of life!
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