Exercise Is Essential for Health and Longevity in Older Men

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.

So if you don't have strength and stability, your muscles waste away and you are liable to have a fall.

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!

Why Strength and Stability Are Essential for Longevity

Envision yourself at 90+ years old. What do you want to be able to do, physically? Perhaps it’s as simple as walking up two flights of stairs or playing on the floor with your great-grandkids.

While these activities may sound "simple" today, your body will naturally decline with age. Knowing this, imagine how much more you need to be able to do today to easily do these "simple" activities at 90+ years old.

In the video below, trainer Beth Lewis and Dr. Peter Attia discuss the crucial relationship between exercise and a healthy, longer life.

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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!

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Yoga

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

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Greenwood Men's Group's mission 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 the Seattle communities of Greenwood, Ballard, Crown Hill, Fremont, Green Lake, Greenwood, Licton Springs, Loyal Heights, Phinney Ridge, Ravenna, Sunset Hill, Wallingford, Wedgwood, Whittier Heights and beyond.