Keeping yourself healthy and happy

Age shouldn't be a barrier to being physically and mentally healthy. There are many things you can do to exercise both your body and mind. Research also highlights the benefits of maintaining spiritual and emotional well-being.

Benefits

Keeping active has many benefits. It:

• helps to reduce the risk of conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke
• strengthens your muscles, aids mobility
• encourages a healthy appetite, regular bowel movements and a good sleeping routine
• reduces the risk of falls, osteoporosis, stress and depression
• stimulates the brain, keeping brain cells alert. Age Concern, and other agencies run Tai Chi courses, keep fit and seated exercise and has contact details on a range of healthy walks
• helps you feel good and enables you to get out and meet people.

What sort of activity?

Physical activity doesn't mean having to join a gym. You could:

• take up a dance class, walk to the shops instead of taking the bus, or tackle the garden
• if you are not able to stand with ease, there are lots of seated exercises you can do. 

How much should you do?

Adults should be moderately physically active for at least 30 minutes on five or more days of the week.

Keeping mentally stimulated

We all forget things sometimes, age doesn't have to mean sinking into mental decline - the more you use your brain, the more mentally active you'll remain.

There are many adult learning classes such as IT courses, heritage or craft activities available locally. 

Avoiding falls

Older people tend to be more vulnerable to falls which can adversely impact confidence and mobility. Find out how to avoid falling.

Contacts

• Walking website links
• Age UK Oxfordshire Tel: 01235 849400 Fax: 01235 849449
• Your local library is a good place to find out about local courses.