The importance of fitness as we age

Research has shown that regular physical activity improves quality of life for older adults and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other illnesses and disabilities.

It is a challenge to continue moving and stay active no matter what stage of life we are in. How important is it to you to pick the weeds in your garden or pick up the napkin you just dropped? For many of us, keeping up with those small tasks is enough to push us to exercise in one way or another. In my experience, there is always a way. It`s all about your willingness to accomplish your very own routine that works around your schedule. There are many great ways that we can accomplish being active in our later years. Exercise is perhaps the best-demonstrated way to maintain good health, fitness, and independence. Research has shown that regular physical activity improves quality of life for older adults and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease and many other illnesses and disabilities. There are four main types of exercise and physical activity to focus on: Endurance, Strength, Balance, and Flexibility. Each activity is different and have their own benefits for doing them each day.

Endurance, or aerobic activities, increase your breathing and heart rate. They keep your heart, lungs, and circulatory system healthy, and improve your overall fitness. Building endurance helps you attain the ability to do your brisk walking or jogging, yard work or gardening, even dancing.
Strength exercises make your muscles stronger. Even small increases in strength can make a big difference in your ability to stay independent and carry out everyday activities, such as climbing stairs and carrying groceries. You can lift weights, use resistance bands, or your own body weight.

Balance exercises can help prevent falls, a common problem in older adults. Many lower-body strength exercises also will improve your balance. Standing counter exercises for balance, Water aerobics, Tai Chi.

Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber. Being flexible gives you more range of movement for other exercises as well as for your everyday activities. Shoulder & upper arm stretches, calf stretches, or even yoga help stretch our muscles, and give us freedom.

Stay as active as you can,  find what is comfortable, and make it something you enjoy! If someone were to say exercising is your gardening routine and that was your highlight of your day, how would you feel about exercise?

Article Provided by: Brook Lynne Phelts,
Patriots Landing
877-964-4900
www.PatriotsLanding.com


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Retirement choices for veterans in Puget Sound

Many retired officers and veterans choose to live in civilian neighborhoods and housing, but when the time is right, there are many housing options available for retired veterans to consider.

The Puget Sound area is home to many retired veterans.  There are many reasons why veterans choose to retire here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Joint Base Lewis McChord, the temperate winters, the pristine scenery, and many advantageous tax benefits have combined to present an attractive package to retirees. Many retired officers and veterans choose to live in civilian neighborhoods and housing, but when the time is right, there are many housing options available for retired veterans to consider.

Many retired veterans choose to reside at civilian retirement communities and assisted living and memory care communities. There are many wonderful options in the Puget Sound area and depending on the specific needs of each veteran these can be wonderful choices.  Civilian assisted living and memory
care communities are not affiliated with the VA.

Some veterans choose a retirement community that specializes in serving the retired military community.  Residents may enjoy the camaraderie of their fellow veterans along with added benefits such as close associations with military bases and VA hospitals and veteran-focused transportation and activity programs.

For veterans who need a higher level of care, many community Nursing Homes offer Veterans a place to live
and receive skilled nursing care 24/7. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) contracts with nursing homes across the country to care for Veterans. Other services include onsite occupational and physical therapy, access to social services, short-term rehab, and dementia care. The VA will often pay for Nursing Home care if you meet eligibility criteria involving your service connected status, level of disability, age, and income.

Certain VA benefit programs such as “Aid and Attendance” will also pay for assisted living services and memory care services depending on eligibility.

VA benefits can be extraordinarily complex, so consider speaking with a Veteran Services Officer (VSO). Veteran Services Officers volunteer throughout the United States, frequently at hubs for veterans like American Legion halls or Veteran of Foreign Wars (VFW) lodges. You can also locate a VA accredited attorney or VSO/Benefits representative here: http://www.va.gov/ogc/apps/accreditation/

As a veteran, you have a unique story and it makes a lot of sense to speak with a knowledgeable advisor, take a tour of your local communities and resources for retired military personnel, and plan ahead to make sure that your retirement is everything that you want it to be.

Article Provided by:
Susan Fine, Director of Marketing
Patriot’s Landing Retirement Community
877-964-4900
www.PatriotsLanding.com


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