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Physical
Activity
It
is now recognised that much of the physical decline commonly associated with older age can be attributed to
inactivity, rather than the "ageing process".
We all know that
physical activity is good for us
but sometimes it is hard to get started or to keep up with an exercise programme. Hopefully in the websites listed below you will find some tips
on how to get started and keep going or how to link in with what's happening in
your area.
Maintaining physical
activity, including balance and muscle strengthen play a key role in reducing
the possibility of falls. Muscle strengthening and weight-bearing exercises are
helpful to reduce the chances of a fall and increase your balance.
Recent
studies have also shown that being physically active is one of the most
important things you can do to reduce your risk of developing breast or bowel
cancer. A recent article in the Agencies for Nutrition Action Update
explained that these cancers are being directly related to being overweight and
not doing enough physical activity. SPARC and the Cancer Society have
worked together to produce an information leaflet about reducing the cancer risk
- the benefits of being physically active. For further information view
the Cancer
Society website.
Quick Reference Guide
Websites
of
Interest
Websites of Interest
-
Every
considered
participating
in
the
Masters
Games
-
here
is
your
opportunity!
The
New Zealand
Masters
Games
are
to
be
held
in
Whaganui 30th January - 8th February.
View
the
flyer
for
the
Games
-
10
000
Steps
The
concept
of
the
project
is
to
encourage
Northlanders
to
walk
and
accumulate
10,000
steps
over
the
course
of
the
day.
If
you
are
not
very
active
right
now,
that's
OK.
Start
out
slowly
and
gradually
increase
your
activity
over
time.
Even
small
increases
in
your
daily
activities
can
have
a
big
impact
on
your
health
-
small
sustainable
steps
for
life.
Many
people
can
reach
10,000
steps
a
day
by
adding
a
30-minute
walk
to
their
everyday
activities.
-
North
Harbour
Sports
is
one
of
the
Regional
Sports
Trusts.
They
have
many
activities
and
resources
available
and
have
just
released
a
new
local
Push
Play
activities
for
Seniors
on
North
Shore
pamphlet
which
lists
indoor
sports,
Exercise
classes,
aqua
activities
and
walking,
dancing
and
martial
arts
groups/sessions
with
times
&
contacts.
-
SPARC
was formed in February 2002 following the merger of the Hillary
Commission, the New Zealand Sports Foundation and the policy arm of the
Office of Tourism and Sport. The merged organisation has been undergoing
significant change, including a major strategic planning exercise to
define how it will go forward.
SPARC works with schools, community
clubs, sports organisations, iwi,
regional
sports trusts and local authorities to create opportunities for all New
Zealanders to be active and reach their potential in their chosen sports.
Check out their Active Living section which looks at opportunities for older
people to enjoy physical activity.
We liked the sections
on green
prescriptions - which are ways to change lifestyle habits for a fitter you
and the
push play.
And there's lots more.
-
If you visit the
New
Zealand Government website you will find a list of all of the City Councils
around the country. Most have a link to the local website and here you can
find information about recreation facilities in your area. Some of the
centres have massage, sauna and spas (very relaxing) available along with
swimming and other exercise which help release tension and stress as well.
-
The
National
Centre for Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) is an organisation based
in Chicago, USA. The website gives information on the importance of
exercise as part of daily life and how to go about starting an exercise
programme. It has special emphasis for those with disabilities.
-
Grand Times is an online magazine written in the USA and there are some
cultural differences which I think show up in this article about
mall
walking. Check out the
Calendar of Activities for a Mall Walking activities in North Shore City
-
Calendar of Activities 2008 - Age Concern North Shore has produced a
very useful Calendar of Activities. It includes a large range of
physical activities suitable for older people.
-
Born
again Bodies is a New Zealand strength based programme for the over
50's. The programme endeavours to bring together the best aspects of
strength training, balance training and training for flexibility.
WALKING FOR HEALTH
(An Article from Update - by Age Concern North Shore Inc.)
Walking - a simple and inexpensive way to enjoy a few minutes of the day.
Walking strengthens and conditions the heart and lungs and there is no better
exercise for healthy feet. It helps to strengthen muscles and improve
balance - important factors in the prevention of falls.
To find out more... click here
Muscle
and Bone Diseases on the Increase
In a recent article in the New Zealand
Herald is was reported that New Zealand is facing an epidemic of muscle and bone
diseases as the population ages, a major medical group warns.
The New Zealand Orthopaedic Association
said the country was trying to ignore the huge costs that would be created by
the ageing baby-boomer generation.
Within 50 years more than 1.5 million
New Zealanders will be aged over 60.
In a report released this morning, the
association predicts the incidence of osteoporosis will double by 2051,
accompanied by an annual demand for 10,000 hip replacements and a skyrocketing
number of fracture and arthritis cases.
View the complete article at the NZ
Herald website ( use key words Baby Boom and Bust to search)
Quick
Reference
Guide
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PHYSICAL WELLBEING
Muscle strengthening and weight-bearing exercises are
helpful to reduce the chances of a fall and increase your balance.
|
Physical activity, even household
chores can be beneficial
Join a walking group/swimming group
Try Line Dancing, Tai Chi, Seated Exercise
Gardening,
relaxation techniques, yoga
Family activity
|
Age Concern
Sports Trusts
Swimming Pool
YMCA
Many organisations have gardening, walking and exercise
groups, contact Age Concern |
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MAINTAIN JOINT MOBILITY |
Daily exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be beneficial for you.
- Try walking, gardening,
- Muscle strengthening and toning exercises
- Tai chi
- Yoga
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Age Concern
Arthritis Foundation
Sports Trusts |
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