Retire Don’t Rot ~ 10 Tips to Take a Stand Against Just Sitting
Hello friends, according to the American Heart Association, being physically active is important to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s No. 1 and No. 5 killers. To improve overall cardiovascular health, they suggest at least 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise (or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity). Thirty minutes a day, five times a week is an easy goal to remember. You will also experience benefits even if you divide your time into two or three segments of 10 to 15 minutes per day.
I wanted to repost this from October as a gentle reminder for us to get up and move!
Most of you know that my grandmother lived to be 98, and if her body didn’t fail her, I’m sure she would have lived until way past 100, just as her father did, why, because she remained active. Every morning she was up, and if she wasn’t going to the MOT Senior Center, she was downstairs in the kitchen eating breakfast and drinking a cup of coffee by 8:00 am.
If she stayed home for the day, in her room she would be “messing with papers”, talki ng on the phone, reading her Bible or writing in a journal. She loved to watch her favorite television programs, The Price is Right, and General Hospital, and after dinner it was “Wheel of Fortune”.
She ate when she was supposed to with a “little something sweet” for dessert. I never heard her complain about pain or an illness other than when her arthritis acted up, but I knew because I could smell the Apple Cider Vinegar she used to rub on her legs.
My grandmother didn’t officially retire until she was in her 80’s but she never let her body just sit. She remained active both physically and mentally, three days a week at the Senior Center and Church on Sundays. She continued to grocery shop, wash and iron her own clothes until she no longer could. After she became bedridden, for a year I kept her body clean and her mind sharp, we watched TV, played board games, had long conversations and I read to her in the evenings.
Personally, I don’t think that we were put on this earth to work hard all of our lives without an opportunity to just rest and retire. Retirement however, should not be an open invitation to sit around doing nothing allowing our minds and bodies to rot. Doing nothing but sitting all day increases the risks of getting Type 2 Diabetes, a decline in cognitive skills, and possible death from a stroke, cancer and heart disease.
If you or someone you love finds themselves with nothing to do after retirement, take a STAND against just SITTING with these 10 Tips. Try to get up and move for at least 10 minutes for every hour of sitting.
1. Walk on a treadmill while watching TV
2. Take a short walk around the house or go up and down the stairs
3. Pace while talking on the phone
4. Weather permitting, go outdoors and pull a few weeds or sweep the stoop
5. Walk to the mailbox or around the block with a neighbor, the kids or a pet
6. March in place during commercials
7. Turn on the radio or music channel and dance like nobody is watching
8. Use soup cans and do arm curls
9. Use a Hula Hoop or jump rope between programs
10. Chores – stretch while cleaning the mirror, mopping the floor or dusting
Join in on the conversation, what tips do you have for getting in 30 minutes of physical activity each day?
Use a gallon jug of milk (or after you empty the milk rinse and add water) and use those for arm curls. That way you can make them the weight you want or can handle. But small weights you can get at a store are very good too.
Yes, I remember reading about that, thanks for the suggestion.
This is absolutely fantastic. Your grandma sounds like she was one incredible woman and kudos to her for always remaining active and happy. I believe those are two key things to living a long and happy life. My grandma is the same way. She never stops, she always running around with the great grandkids and running her business like she was still in her 40’s. She’s nearly 90 now and having 24 kids (yes you read right and they were all her own children no adoptions 4 sets of twins though) she looks incredible and like she can keep going for many more years.
Yes, she was truly an inspiration and I was blessed to have her with me for as long as I did. She lived with us for 16 years prior to her death so my sons were fortunate to grow up with their great grandmother. You have to keep your mind and body active and kids will definitely do that for you, so your grandmother is going to be around for a long time….now I need to know…is grandpop still around and kicking after helping to create those 24 kids!!!!
That is such a blessing and I bet she was happy as could be to get to have her great-grandbabies around her for as long as she did. That is so true. Unfortunately grandpa passed away when I was 2 years old. But he had a very good run as well.
Yes, she loved the boys and not a day goes by that I don’t miss her! Have a wonderful weekend.
Two of my Aunts lived pass 95 and they were busy all day on the bus going somewhere until Dementia took its toll. They were active and lived at home. I find myself getting very lazy these days and need to get back to walking, so Thanks for this post!
Yes sis, we have to stay active even if for only for a few hours per day, as a sedentary life is not good for longevity. I know you don’t let the grass grow under your feet so I wouldn’t worry too much!
Very important reminder to keep active! I cant even imagine retiring as I constantly think of new projects. Sara
Definitely, also, I think it’s much harder for women to think about retirement because there is always something to do. Have a wonderful day.
My worst days are when the weather is not cooperating and I cannot get out in the yard. I can always find things to do and it is so easy to say I will work in the yard for 1 hour (not), most of the time when I look up several hours have passed. I have fresh air in my lungs, the yard looks good, the muscles are sore, my mind is clear and then I do not feel guilty when I have that “little something sweet” after dinner:-) Although my mother succumbed, way too early in my opinion, after fighting cancer for 32 years; I have longevity on both sides of my family so I plan on being around for a while with a strong body and sound mind.
I have no doubt about your and keeping active, you make me tired just listening to all that you do outdoors. I am sure we will both be around for a long time, sitting back (but not for too long) reminiscing about the “good ole days” (lol)
Great ideas and very true! I definitely need to pass this on to my mom who will be retiring soon 🙂
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Excellent, thank you and enjoy the weekend.
Your grandma sure knows how to take care of herself, mind and body! If only all of us has the right attitude when it comes to retirement and aging.
My parents who are in their early 70s have daily walks around the condo complex where they live. They do 2 to 3 loops just to get the heart rate up a bit and stretch those muscles. They need the physical exercise to keep them healthy.
I applaud your parents because keeping physically and mentally active is good for longevity barring any medical concerns. My grandmother loved to stay healthy and eating right was always very important. Have a wonderful weekend.
Hey Toni,
I was glad to see the re-post. I was smiling because I remember when Mama Midget came here to visit she told me “when old people visit you, you should always have something for them to do”. LOL. We sorted through all of the free greeting cards I received in the mail, matching the cards up with envelopes. She and Eboni played checkers. Thanks for the memory.
Yes, she stayed active no matter what, even if it was just sorting cards or “messing with papers”. I miss her and I miss her energy!
Thanx for sharing such a wonderful story about your grandmother, and for pointing out the importance of keeping active and staying sharp. This should be on the top of our list of New Year resolutions.
Cheers to keeping active and having fun doing it!
XOXO N & N
Thank you, she was truly a wonderful woman who I think of everyday. I am blessed to have been raised by her and thank you for stopping by. P.S. You never have to worry about NOT being active – I envy your energy!
You can also do stretches or other activities while waiting for your food to cook.
Great idea…that’s better than taste-testing everything!
I walk up and down the stairs randomly during the day, it seems simple, but it has made a dif in reaching my goal weight, because on top of my morning workouts i stay active during the day! Thank you for sharing #workingmomwednesdays #pinned
Nancy, yes, stair climbing is an excellent exercise for the body especially for the heart and lungs – keep up the good work!