HILL: Slowing the aging process

By Robert Sisk

Published: September 14, 2008

Every birthday is another indication of aging, but it’s also an indication of life. Here in Waynesboro, a recent census report has our senior population doubling by 2010. I have spent every day of my life living and learning from those around me on how to age with grace. 
Aches and pains and creaking bones are not only reserved for older adults. We all change physically as we grow older. With aging comes medical problems, including back or neck problems, arthritis or rheumatism, difficulty walking, frequent headaches, lung problems, digestive problems and heart problems or chest pain, to name a potential few. 
However, we have come to realize that many changes we used to think were “normal aging” are actually the result of disease, environment or lifestyle. Some changes are a combination of more than one of these factors. This means that there are some changes that you can prevent or slow down through your actions.
So what actions have you chosen to change the outcome of aging and prevent the obstacles in “normal aging”? 
There is a gentleman who is a regular at the Waynesboro YMCA.  He asked me, “How are you feeling today?” My response was, “I just need to keep on moving. It is the only time during the day I don’t have to feel the aches of my body.”
Since diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, I suffer the delusion that by doing as much as possible today, I can compensate for the day when I am not able to do much of anything. The Rev. Bill Mayton, 72, said, “I come everyday to make sure I stay out of a wheelchair.” 
As he walks away with cane in hand toward the treadmill, I smile because his determination and commitment are an inspiration to just keep moving. Of the medical problems we may need to face, most we can prevent or have symptoms relieved by our diet and exercise.
Are we as a society accelerating “normal aging” by not taking simple steps to just keep moving? With most of us watching the cost of living increasing, it is good news that moving your body does not need to cost you or your family money and can save you medical expenses as you age. The action of moving regularly will decrease your stress and create positive energy and maintain needed muscles. 
Do something unexpected. We spend a good deal of time laughing in our water aerobic classes. Researchers have found that 10-15 minutes of genuine giggling can burn off the number of calories found in a medium square of chocolate. Barbara Powell, 77, is here for the noon water aerobics class. 

She says that it is not uncommon for her to arrange her busy schedule around this class. She says, “It is the call of the YMCA. My body is much happier when [I] come to class and the friendships bring me daily joy. I do not know what I would do without it.”
“It’s clear that [exercise is beneficial], including increasing metabolism,” says Wojtek Chodzko-Zajko, Ph.D., head of the department of kinesiology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
At his former post at the University of Alabama, he led research for 15 years that looked into the effects of physical activity (both on land and in water) among older adults.
Aqua aerobics, or water-based activities, provide significant benefits for older adults. In addition to increasing metabolism, Chodzko-Zajko says physical activity in general improves cardiovascular health, increases strength, slows down age-related loss of muscle mass, and slows the decrease of reaction time that comes with getting older. There are psychological and social benefits as well. People feel better about themselves, are more engaged in community activities and they tend to not lose their independence because they’re physically fit, says Chodzko-Zajko.
Bottom line: There are many good reasons for committing to preventing the obstacles of “normal aging.” Whether you prefer running, walking, biking, water aerobics, dance lessons, personal training, swimming or group fitness, grab a friend or your family and just keep moving. 
Editor’s note: Denise Hill is a member of the Waynesboro YMCA aquatic staff. Word from the Y is a weekly column featuring staff and guests of the Waynesboro YMCA.