For those of you who think your best years have already passed you by ... think again. It's never too late to improve your level of fitness. Have you ever heard the saying, “When you are over the hill, that's when you pick up speed?”

Almost anyone, at any age can do some type of physical activity. Studies show that regular exercise can improve the symptoms of arthritis and other degenerative diseases. It also can delay the long term effects of aging. The benefits of exercise are great, as it can increase range of motion, improve posture, enhance coordination/balance, improve circulation, facilitate mobility and increase flexibility. One of the best things exercise can do is to give you a better outlook on life and an overall sense of well-being.

It is recommended that you see a physician for a medical check-up before beginning any new exercise program and, if new to exercising, avoid high tension exercises or sports activities that are jerky, such as jogging or racquetball.

There are 4 Fitness Building Blocks that correlate with certain exercises:

€ Endurance - activities that boost your heart rate and breathing such as walking, swimming, dancing, climbing stairs

€ Strength - activities that build muscle and make bones stronger such as calisthenics or using weights

€ Flexibility - activities that involve stretching and increase range of motion such as yoga, stretching and gardening

€ Balance - activities that help you maintain posture and balance such as walking with a book on your head or walking heel to toe along a straight line.

Reading this, are you thinking #- boy, that's way too much for me?

All it takes is 30 minutes a day. Start slowly with 10 minutes a day and build up so you don't overdo it and get discouraged. Vary the exercises you do to get the benefit of the 4 Fitness Building Blocks, and also so you don't get bored.

Look for new ways to build physical activity into your daily routine such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from buildings and walk or getting up during TV commercials to walk around or do a quick cleaning chore. Get support from family and friends or, better yet, get them involved as well, so everyone can encourage each other. Walking or swimming are great activities to start with, and all are more fun if done with other people.

There are a variety of opportunities to join organized programs in Cayuga County. Exercise and water aerobic classes at the local health and fitness centers are great because they are led by instructors who teach you the proper technique to avoid injury. Exercise and socializing can go hand in hand when you join such groups as bowling leagues, golf leagues, dancing groups, mall walking or getting involved in charity walks.

So, how do you get motivated to start exercising or stay positive to maintain healthy behaviors?

Active Aging Week, a program developed by the International Council on Active Aging, is being brought to Cayuga County in September through a project of the Elderly & Disabled Task Group of the Human Services Coalition. The goal will be to promote the benefits of a healthy lifestyle by giving older adults opportunities to experience activities and exercise in a safe, friendly and fun atmosphere.

During the week of Monday, Sept. 24. through Sunday, Sept. 30, several community organizations are planning activities such as health fairs and screenings, open houses, demo exercise classes, the America on the Move Walking Program, an Emerson Park dance, lectures and entertainment (a comedian). Several senior housing centers and adult care homes will be offering special programming to their residents as well. All the activities and events during Active Aging Week are free to an older adult roughly age 50 and up.

In the coming few weeks, look for more information about this exciting Active Aging Week. A schedule of events will be publicized. As always, you can contact me for more information at 253-1103.

Janet Taylor is an aging services specialist for the Cayuga County Office for the Aging.