Memory, Munchies and Movement

(This article has been updated as of Dec 4, 2020. Covid has now dramatically accelerated the already growing trend toward online wellness coaching and age group-specific guidance on healthy habits. To address these needs directly I have launched a comprehensive online program for Boomers like me with my longtime colleague and favorite healthy eating expert , Anne Moselle, R.D. Check it out here.)

Would you like to keep sharp, vibrant and feel great as long as possible? Are you doing everything you can to make that happen?

I learned recently that a friend of mine was diagnosed with the early stages of Alzheimer’s. He has since had the condition downgraded, but, because it’s on a continuum, he’s taken the responsible step to exert as much influence on the onset and progression of the disease as possible. He’s a dear man who is very devoted to his family and regularly hikes with his adult kids, sometimes on extended trips. But he also realizes that life is short and retaining our vitality is, largely, within our sphere of influence, so a more comprehensive set of habits to address this challenge is in order. He's visiting me at the studio tomorrow to get that process started, in earnest.

Upon hearing about his situation, I revisited some research I had come across while advising a longtime client in her mid-seventies about the connection between regular exercise and its positive effects on the severity, onset and advancement of the none-too friendly symptoms of Alzheimer's. This article strives to summarize the most important habitual dietary and fitness practices that can help with that effort:

Exercise:

• Slow, gentle, progressive warm-ups help to protect joints.
• Tai chi and gentle yoga are both great for flexibility, balance and body-awareness and control.
• Swimming and water aerobics are safe, effective exercise options for newbies and less well-conditioned folks.
• Strength and cardiovascular exercise can not only increase circulation to the muscles and brain, but also dramatically improve functional vitality and cognitive capacity.
• The guidance of a qualified, experienced personal trainer can provide the structure and safe guidelines to optimize the individual suitability, safety and effectiveness of a fitness program.

Nutrition:

• More leafy greens and veggies of all types
• Fewer sweets and animal fats
• More fish and poultry
• More whole grains
• More beans, nuts and seeds

Want more help for yourself, your parents or older friends? Contact me.

Dan Taylor, ACE, NASM-CPT, is owner and head trainer at Pleasanton-based Tri Valley Trainer. They provide personal training and small group fitness solutions at their studio and a premium, innovative, medically endorsed web-based group coaching wellness program for the over-fifty tribe.