Strength Exercises for those in their 80s & 90s

The NIH (National Institutes of Health) article, "Teaching Old Muscles New Tricks," is about maintaining muscle mass to keep osteoporosis at bay, keep weight under control, sustain a healthy blood sugar level, and aid with balance and depression.

People who stop exercising lose muscle mass, but those who do muscle strengthening exercises benefit from keeping that tissue, helping them do more things for themselves as they age, and increasing the odds of remaining independent longer. Even folks well into their nineties who start a muscle strengthening routine see the benefits within a few months.

View their section on Exercise for Older Adults and get started!

If your muscles seem a little tight at first, try a microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers. Their Back Warmers and Neck Warmers are filled with whole corn and provide comforting moist heat, without added fragrances -- a plus for people with allergies. An inner bag is baffled to distribute the corn equally. Maine Warmers are made in the USA. Visit the site for more info, and don't let a few sore muscles keep you from exercising.

Planning for Fun!

As we age planning becomes more important than ever. Planning can be the key to success in almost all of life's endeavors. Sometimes, of course, the plans that we make fall apart, but when they work we know it is because we put thought and energy behind it, and that gives us a sense of accomplishment.

Plan to have fun and you will.
Plan to laugh, to get out and be with other people.
Plan to exercise and keep your circulation, bones, and muscles in good condition.
Plan to eat well – good healthy food tastes great – a little dessert too.
Plan to maintain a healthy spiritual state and community.

Go to AARP for reputable resources for people over age 50.

As the daughter of aging parents I find that laughter and fun are what make life worthwhile for people at any age. The best help can be making the journey fun.

 Maine Warmers microwave heating pads offer warmth for cold hands and feet when elderly people are not as physically active as they would like to be. A Cozy Black Bear Warmer and a Polar Bear bed warmer both offer comforting companionship to an older person.