Here’s some encouraging news from two geriatricians specializing in longevity that we talked to: Making health-related New Year’s resolutions can absolutely be worth it as long as they are realistic and can be maintained long-term. With that in mind, there is one New Year’s resolution in particular they wish everyone 50 and older would make.
The best New Year’s resolution for health for everyone 50 and older is to be as active as possible, according to Dr. Sonja Rosen MD, FACP, AGSF, geriatrician and medical director of geriatrics at Cedars-Sinai. "If you want to take one step toward living as long and healthfully as possible, this is the goal to make," Dr. Rosen insists.
There are several reasons why both longevity experts say that being physically active is the best action people 50 and older can make for their health. Dr. Besdine explains that physical activity benefits both the heart and brain, lowering the risk of both cardiovascular disease (the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S.) and dementia.
He explains that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which protects against plaque buildup. Plaque buildup in the brain is linked to dementia, which is why exercising regularly is a powerful way to protect against it. Scientific research has found that even light to moderate exercise can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
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How to Make Your New Year’s Resolution Stick
If you have no idea where to start, Dr. Rosen says that signing up for group fitness classes can be helpful. “Exercising in a group class or even online are wonderful ways to get physical fitness and also social connection at the same time,” she advises.
Both doctors say that committing to taking a daily walk is a great goal to start with. Scientific research shows that walking 6,000 steps a day is linked to living longer. “If you are 70 or older, walking 150 minutes a week [or 30 minutes five days a week] reduces the risk of heart disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease,” Dr. Besdine says.
Both doctors emphasize that any physical activity is better than none. If walking for 30 minutes each day is currently out of reach for you, start with 10 minutes. You can increase your goals over time as your body adapts and you build up endurance.
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Sources
Dr. Sonja Rosen MD, FACP, AGSF, chief of geriatric medicine at Cedars-Sinai, Medical Director of Geriatrics at CSMCF and Professor of Medicine, Cedars-SinaiDr. Richard W. Besdine, MD, professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine at Alpert Medical School of Brown University Read More Details
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