Exercise Is Essential for Health and Longevity in Older Men

Why should we really care about exercise? After all, there are probably more comfortable things we could be doing instead. 

Well, for folks our age, falls are the fifth leading cause of death. Accidental falls account for 50% of all injury-related deaths of Washington state residents ages 65 and older.

If you're over age 65, and break your hip or femur in a fall, there's a 15%-30% probability of death. Even among the survivors (meaning the people who don’t go on to die within 12 months), 50% of those people never reach the same level of function again. Even minor setbacks become permanent setbacks.

At 65+, people typically experience noticeable reductions in strength and vestibular changes, which increase the risk of falling.

Several in our group have already had serious falls or injuries. So wouldn't you agree that exercise and physical fitness is more important to each of us than ever before? The only way you can gain strength and stability is through exercising your body; otherwise your muscles atrophy and you descend into a doom loop.

Not exercising is like smoking. Either way, you shorten your lifespan.

We all know we "should" exercise. But we don't actually do it -- or don't do it consistently.  The purpose of this page is to help you think a bit about exercises and explore various options that you might find interesting or enjoyable. There's no better time to get started than right now!

What Should You Do About Exercise?

Perhaps you know you need to exercise more, but you're unsure how to approach it.

Peter Attia, MD, author of Outlive, the Science and Art of Longevity, has offered an in-depth discussion of exercise for aging people.

In his presentation, Dr Attia reviews:

• The 4 pillars of exercise
• Why it is not too late to get started, even if you've never exercised
• What one can do to start exercising
• How to minimize injury risk
• How to maximize your potential
• Answers common question you may have

Click here for Dr. Attia's presentation: Exercise for Aging People

Return to Top of Page

Exercise Options in the Seattle Area

There are lots of things you can do for exercise anywhere in Greenwood or other Seattle neighborhoods.

Aside from exercising at home, here are some ideas to help you stay in good shape.

Gyrotonic

Gyrotonic is a comprehensive movement system that emphasizes three-dimensional spiraling and circular movements to increase the functional mobility of the spine as well as build strength and flexibility of the muscles surrounding it.  It is very useful for exercise, physical therapy or rehabilitation.

Learn More Here

Timed Static Contraction

Timed static contraction is a form of exercise where you efficiently gain and retain physical strength -- but with zero risk of injury. Build strength in 25-30 minutes of exercise per week. It's efficient and effective!

Learn More Here

Yoga

A holistic way to stay healthy. Classes are available at Greenwood Senior Center. 

Learn More Here

Tai Chi

A martial art that involves slow, graceful movements combined with deep diaphragmatic breathing and mental focus to promote physical and psychological well-being. Classes are available at Greenwood Senior Center.

Learn More Here

Return to Top of Page

Pilates

Pilates is a comprehensive exercise method that improves core strength, flexibility, posture, and balance. It is effective for both general fitness and rehabilitation, and helps to manage pain and improve function. The mind-body connection is a fundamental aspect of Pilates. Classes are available at Greenwood Senior Center.

African Dancing

Medical research has shown that dancing contributes to a longer lifespan. Benefits of dancing include improved physical fitness, enhanced cognitive function, better psychological well-being, and positive functional and metabolic health outcomes. So it's easy to see why incorporating dance into your life can be a promising strategy for promoting healthy aging and potentially extending lifespan.

The are many types of dancing but one in particular that is lively and fun is African Dancing, a tradition spanning countless centuries.

Fortunately, we have an African dance studio right here in Fremont. It's called Wassa Dance.

African Dancing in Fremont

Lara, the instructor, believes that as we breathe, we are already dancing.

Wassa Dance is designed around basic root movements and simple choreography. The intent is for people move and breathe together while enjoying their own individual experience.

On a spectrum between traditional African dance classes and ecstatic world beat offerings, Wassa Dance is unique in inviting dancers to bring their own individuality to basic and structured moves.

There is also an element of movement craft/technique involved as students find deep, rich involvement with the music and the moves. Ages range from teens to septuagenarians. Everyone is welcome.

Come dance with a cross-culturally rich mix of some of Seattle’s finest percussion musicians and Wassa’s joyful moves.

Return to Top of Page

CARs

CARs (Controlled Articular Rotations) is an excellent way to increase your flexibility, strength and mobility without risk of injury. You can even do this at home.

Learn More Here

Walking

There's no excuse for not walking.  Good for the body and the mind. 

Here's a list of 27 interesting walks you can do, either alone or with some of the guys in the men's group.

Return to Top of Page

The mission of SeattleSeniorMen.com is to provide a supportive environment where men from diverse backgrounds can foster camaraderie, develop friendships, share wisdom, enrich one another's lives -- and contribute to all Seattle communities, including Greenwood, Ballard, Crown Hill, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, Licton Springs, Loyal Heights, Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Sunset Hill, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Whittier Heights and beyond.