50+ Lifestyles

Is Becoming More Sedentary Normal for Older Adults?

By Logan Anderson, BA, CPT, CIFT
Owner of All Strong Fitness LLC

The society we live in has numerous different opportunities to be sedentary. Whether it’s sitting at the DMV, lounging on our bus ride across town, or of course enjoying our new recliner we got for Christmas, the world is setup for us to enjoy the simple pleasure of relaxing. Unfortunately, this has led to a cascade of numerous different issues in regards to public health. Aging typically adds to the amount of free time being sedentary, simply from the lack of formal responsibility and things to do throughout the day. Although this is by far the “normal” behavior for individuals that get older, should it be?

Humans engage in things that are considered “normal,” but likely counterproductive for themselves and even others. Humans spend money freely, many not caring about their savings into the future. Humans indulge themselves with delicious foods that carry little nutrients, with no regard for how it may impact their health. Humans will keep scrolling through toxic social media posts, even though they know it is filled with nothing of substance. It usually isn’t about what people know is right. It’s what feels good at the time. What feels good at the time isn’t getting up and going for a walk around the block. What feels good at the time is sitting and enjoying a cup of coffee with your favorite television show. This cling to instant feel-good gratification is what is ultimately holding us back. Circling back to the initial question posed in the title, I do believe that it is more “normal” to be sedentary as we age.

Although I recognize it to be “normal” I don’t believe it should be that way. Older adults have just as much reason, if not more reasons to be active, compared to younger individuals. As one ages, the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, and nearly every other chronic disease goes up tremendously. One of the best ways to combat these ailments is through consistent physical activity.

The ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine) recommends 150 minutes of moderate cardiovascular activity each week, and full body resistance training twice per week for health outcomes. Although this may seem daunting, moderate physical activity could involve going for a brisk walk or even playing with your kids. Resistance training is focused on hitting every major muscle group in the body for only 1 set twice a week. In the grand scheme of life, this is a small amount of physical activity to fit into our day. The benefits that can be reaped from this is insurmountable.

As we finish this article, I challenge you to take an honest look at your lifestyle patterns. Do you consider yourself sedentary? How do you feel currently, if the answer is yes? There is no need to do what is normal in this situation. Embracing your health and realizing that it affects every other facet of life is the first step to making change. Be well, and get moving!

For more information please contact Logan Anderson, owner of All Strong Fitness LLC. He can be reached at (563) 210-3701 or by email: allstrongfitnessllc@gmail.com.