Janice Ancrum, President & CEO, NCCOA
Now that we’ve all participated in the “Spring Ahead” part of daylight savings, we have some extra daytime. What to do, what to do?
If you’re an older adult, getting out of your favorite chair may be the most challenging part of the day. Rest and relaxation are both good things; but as with anything they must be balanced with other more physically invigorating activities. Sounds great, but the reality may not be as much fun.
So, how do you stay active and have fun at the same time? I find that taking things off my “To Do” list can benefit me both mentally and physically, and make any tasks more fun. Here are some ideas that may be on your list, too.
Spring officially begins on March 20. I’m already noticing empty plant stands in local stores. Gardening has already started! As the temperatures start to get warm, some light gardening can get blood circulating, and the lifting and bending you do when gardening are great for strength and flexibility.
Do you own a bike? If so, enjoy the early morning and evening temperature biking around your neighborhood. (Don’t forget your helmet. You only have one noggin.)
Need to do some spring sprucing up? Crank up some music you enjoy, and make little dents in the areas that need some help. For example, don’t prepare to clean your entire kitchen in one fell swoop; do the pantry one day and the fridge the next.
We are very fortunate to live in a county with lots of water: ocean, lakes, ponds, streams. In addition to walking on the shore, boating and fishing, pools are great spots for gentle activities. Swimming laps, taking a water aerobics class or simply replenishing your Vitamin D (don’t forget the sunscreen) can boost your health and outlook.
Of course, NCCOA offers a huge variety of classes at the Fernandina Beach Senior Life Center, 1901 Island Walk Way. Try out one (or more) of these fun-filled activities…Standing Yoga, Enerchi, Tap Dancing, Mat & Core, Belly Dancing, Tai Chi, Zumba, Chair Yoga, Weight Training & Toning, Barre Class, Line Dancing and our newest…Hula Hooping! Become a member or pay by the class. It’s all good! Contact us at 904-261-0701 to sign up.
There are lots of easy ways to build activity into your daily routine. You might even have some fun at the same time!
We’re all in this together.
Source – NIH National Institute on Aging