Physical vs Mental Exercise: A Senior’s Perspective

As a senior citizen, your priorities in exercise can change, but both physical and mental activities are essential. Whether you prefer one over the other, understanding the benefits of each can help you maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle.

Physical Exercise: A Necessity

Physically, I am still active, enjoying hikes and walking to places like the mailbox – a single hurdle that used to be easy, now requires careful planning. Despite these limitations, I continue to prioritize physical exercise for maintaining overall health. Activities like hiking, biking, and playing sports such as badminton and softball are not only fun but also keep my body moving.

Mental Exercise: The Easier Path

While physical exercise is crucial, mental exercise is often the easier task for me. I enjoy mental challenges like playing Jeopardy, reading, and writing. These activities not only keep my mind sharp but also bring me joy. Mental exercises can range from simple puzzles to complex problem-solving and analytical tasks. Engaging in these activities regularly helps prevent cognitive decline and keeps the brain active.

Combined Benefits of Both

Both physical and mental exercise contribute to a healthy lifestyle. A wise doctor in my 50s advised me to avoid falls and to keep moving. While maintaining physical activity is vital, mental exercises also play a significant role. They help in keeping the cognitive functions sharp and the mind alert.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

One day, I was out for a walk and decided to challenge myself mentally. I tried to remember the harmonics of a musical note, which I had learned in a music theory class years ago. This mental exercise left me feeling invigorated, but also physically exhausted. It's a perfect example of how mental and physical exercises can be combined to achieve a fulfilling workout.

Conclusion

It's important to incorporate both physical and mental exercises into your routine as a senior. While physical exercise is necessary for maintaining physical health, mental exercises can make the process easier and provide additional cognitive benefits. Combining these activities can lead to a more balanced, healthy, and enjoyable life.