Is it possible to use our worries and fears as a motivator to stay active? Seniors face a variety of fears about what the future will bring, whether it’s losing their independence, dealing with health issues, being forced to leave their home, or a concern about falling and hurting themselves.

The good news is that being active can be an effective hedge against many of the fears that seniors have about the future. In an article I found on PRWeb.com, seniors list their 10 greatest fears about what will happen as they age. The article features a national survey conducted for Home Instead Senior Care, in which the respondents named a range of anxieties that keep them up at night, such as losing the ability to drive, not being able to manage the normal activities associated with daily life, and having to hire strangers to care for them.   

According to Paul Hogan, Home Instead Senior Care co-founder and CEO, at least half of the fears on the list could be remedied by an ongoing commitment to a physical fitness program.

In fact, one of the studies mentioned in the article found that older women who survived the longest exercised in middle age. Additionally physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive skills and increase bone density for senior citizens. For seniors who performed a moderate or high level of physical activity over a two-year period, there appears to be a lower risk of developing cognitive impairment. Furthermore, another study revealed that women aged 65 or older who committed to an exercise program of at least 18 months had a reduced risk of cognition problems and higher bone density. 

Simply put, it seems that working out is not only good for the mind and body; it can also facilitate a healthier and happier aging process. In light of all the evidence pointing out the benefits of keeping older adults fit and healthy, one would think there would be a high level of participation in physical fitness programs among senior citizens.

The unfortunate reality of the situation is that 74 percent of seniors aged 65 and older report that staying physically active is a major challenge. Apparently there is also a bit of denial about the problem, since 81 percent of adult caregivers reported that staying active is a challenge for seniors.

People need active support and encouragement to stay active. The need for support and encouragement is even greater when a person has just made the decision to embark on a wellness program or is weighing his or her options about how to achieve fitness goals.  

Helping our residents become more active or continue to maintain a healthy lifestyle is paramount to us here at Brightmore of Wilmington and Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, which is why we are committed to having a licensed and professional personal trainer available at each location. There is already a trainer at Brightmore, and Carolina Bay will have one on staff when the facility is complete.

For more information about activities and wellness offerings provided by Brightmore of Wilmington or Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, contact me at 910-332-1783, or by email at [email protected]. You can also visit the communities on the web at www.BrightmoreofWilmington.com, or www.CarolinaBayatAutumnHall.com.      

Cindy Stancil is President of Liberty Senior Living Management Services, LLC.  Leveraging 30 years of experience in senior and assisted living, Stancil manages operations at four senior living campuses under the Liberty Senior Living umbrella, including Brightmore of Wilmington, Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall, and Kempton of Wilmington. Liberty Senior Living Management Services LLC is a division of Liberty Healthcare Companies, a locally owned and operated company that provides a comprehensive approach to patient care.  Cindy Stancil may be reached at 910-332-1783, or via email at [email protected].  Visit Brightmore of Wilmington or Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall on the web at www.BrightmoreofWilmington.com, or www.CarolinaBayatAutumnHall.com.