Sunlight The Ultimate Anti Aging Tool

Perhaps one of the most unacknowledged healing tools is sunlight. When we are children, we often spend a great deal of time outdoors. However, as we age, life and responsibilities take over, and we spend more time indoors taking care of them. However, sun exposure has been a natural treatment for all sorts of medical issues throughout history, and taking some time to get outside can help keep you feeling young.

Sunlight can be particularly helpful in improving your mood. Exposure to sunlight causes your body to produce more serotonin, which is the chemical that stimulates the pleasure center in your brain. This naturally improves your mood. As we age, it is important to get enough sunlight exposure, especially during the winter months.

Sunlight also is crucial in creating vitamin D in our bodies. Vitamin D can help prevent and treat breast cancer, osteoporosis, prostate cancer, and more. The best source is gotten from the synthesis by ultraviolet light in the skin, and you can get most of your daily requirements just from a little time outdoors!

Breast cancer is a health concern for all women. A study done at the Northern California Cancer center found that casual exposure to sunlight can reduce the risk of breast cancer by up to 65%. Even the lower number of 25% that the study found would mean that getting some time outdoors could save around 44,000 women from the disease.

Osteoporosis happens when bone mass is lost because calcium is not absorbed properly. This causes an increased risk of bones breaking all around the body, and is mostly an issue for women who have reached menopause. A lack of Vitamin D means that calcium will not be absorbed properly.

Prostate cancer is one of the leading killers of senior men. However, fewer cases are found among men who live in warmer climates, and research suggests that this may be because they are outside more, and therefore producing more vitamin D.

Sunlight has also been shown to help with athletic achievement. It is not unusual to have more energy during the summer months when there is more sunlight to be had. Studies of athletes have shown that sunlight can help enhance the performance and limit the number of injuries, while shortening the recovery time for injuries that did happen. When it works this well for athletes, it would only make sense that spending some time outdoors is good for all of us.

Obviously, there is also such a thing as getting too much sun. When outdoors, especially in direct sunlight, take care not to get overheated. Take plenty of water with you, and make sure to take plenty of rest breaks to avoid overtiring yourself. In summer months when the heat is high, consider making your outdoor time part of your early morning routine before it gets too warm. Also, when going outside for extended periods of time, take care to use sun protection to avoid burning and causing sun damage to your skin. Always consult your doctor before taking up a new routine.

Water Exercises - The Best Way for All Seniors to Get Their Workout

Getting older sometimes wrecks havoc on the body. The mind may be sharp as a tack and agile as ever but the body could use a little work! There are a number of reasons why many seniors may not get the exercise they need to stay healthy through the golden years of retirement. The primary problem is that some seniors have some health issues which cause pain such as osteoarthritis and different types of joint replacement.

Another reason why some seniors do not exercise enough is fear. They are worried that some of their health conditions will worsen like the chance of another heart attack or stroke or even aggravating hypertension and diabetes. The fact of the matter is that exercise will actually help these conditions, as long as seniors start off slowly and work their way up to avoid further injury. This is the way to build endurance, one of the principles that many seniors need to work on in terms of physical fitness.

The Best Workout for Seniors

Perhaps the best workout for seniors is swimming and water exercises. The water actually supports the weight of the body. This means that seniors are not putting undue stress on their joints, knees and hips. While the water is buoyant and cradles the body, seniors still get quite a workout in the water because it provides resistance without fear of injury.

Water exercises, swimming and aerobics for the water are a great way to tone muscles, work on endurance and even flexibility. In fact, they are also great for balance as well. Depending on where lessons are taken, some water instruction includes special water weights which add resistance to a workout.

Before your First Workout

The doctor should be the first resource when a senior wants to start water exercising. Certain illnesses could affect a water workout. Recent surgeries can also delay a new exercise regime. If the doctor gives the go-ahead, chances are that he or she will go over a number of warning signs that will let seniors know when a workout has gone too far. Heart rates and pulse are talked about and the doctor will help pinpoint what each senior should shoot for.

It would be a smart move to have an exercise buddy or at least take a class with other people. Seniors should never swim or do water exercises alone. If an emergency came up, a buddy could go for help.

Where to Workout with Water

Having a heated pool is a dream come true for many seniors who wish to work out in water. Unfortunately, very few have one in their own backyard. Therefore, it makes sense to find swimming places in which to accomplish the exercises. During warm weather, there is no problem swimming in lakes, creeks or outdoor swimming pools. However, come winter time, an indoor heated pool is the best place to keep those water exercises going.

The YMCA often has indoor pools as do many fitness centers. Both of these entities usually offer reduced rates for senior members. It is worth looking into. Some senior facilities and community centers also have indoor pools. Heated pools help those seniors with stiff muscles and joints. The great thing about places with indoor pools is that chances are that they also offer water exercise programs.