Play Keeps Us Young

I am not a scientist, but I know I feel great after playing with my grandchildren or with relatives and friends. Play keeps us young. I think this statement must be backed up by scientific data somewhere. I often hear that laughter and physical activity are the best medicine.

The old adage,” All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy,” most people will agree is true as well.

For about three years, I spent every day, including weekends, working. I love my work and made that my excuse. Then one day, I realized I no longer had time to spend with friends, and was amazed that other people didn’t work on weekends. Once I realized I was missing out on a lot of fun, I began to take more time off, enjoy the company of others, and find activities that made me feel great. Every year now, my New Year's resolution is to HAVE MORE FUN.

Children and animals are great at playing. Animals never seem to lose their ability to play. Finding a healthy balance between work and play is just part of a healthy lifestyle.

Sometimes, when we play too hard we develop sore muscles – especially as we age.

Maine Warmers has a line of comforting creatures that will help you relax those muscles regain flexibility. These unique animal shaped microwave heating pads are available online and in a variety of gift stores. Check out Maine Warmers’ Hot Dog and Cozy Sheep as playful gifts for children and adults.

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.