5 Ways Running Can Help You Prep For Your Golden Years
By Ryan Light, Running/Anxiety Coach
Preparing for life as you get older can be tough. There’s a lot to think about as you approach retirement such as what you want to do in your spare time as well as whether you want to live with family of in a care center such as those at Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care. You also want to make sure you’re financially stable, that you’re children are taken care of, and that you keep your health for as long as possible. While there’s all kind material out there about different things you can do to keep yourself healthy into your golden years, running is one of the most time-tested ways to keep healthy. Here are 5 reasons how running can help you prep for your golden years.
Heart Healthy
One of the best benefits to running is that it keeps your heart healthy. If you start running now you can have a more stable heart health as you get older. Also, the more you run and exercise, the lower your blood pressure is going to be. Lower blood pressure really reduces the stress on your heart. That is definitely one huge perk that comes with running.
Lower Stress
As there is a lot to think about as you age, so it can be easy to allow the stress to mount. Running is a great way to relieve that stress and melt away all of the anxieties. When you run, your brain releases a chemical called dopamine, which is the chemical that is released when you are feeling happy. It is definitely a great way to clear your mind and enjoy life.
Weight Management
Obesity is a major problem in the United States, and it only becomes more difficult to manage your weight as you age and your metabolism slows down. Cardio exercise is one of the most efficient ways to manage your weight since it burns quite a bit of calories.
Social
Running is an activity that lends itself well to people who love to be social. With all the extra time you have on your hands now that you’re retired, you’ll be looking for ways to stay in touch with friends. Since so many people run, it’s fun to meet up with groups to do it together.
Keeping Your Wits
One fear that many people have as they age is that their mind is going to become less sharp. Scientific studies have proven that running regularly helps people keep their minds sharp even as they age.
Why Not Start
With all of these benefits, there is no reason not to start running if you haven’t already. If you want to age gracefully and enjoy the golden years that you’ve been waiting for, running is a great way to aid yourself in doing that. Get outside and start running today.