Fitness Knows No Age

By Audrey Yohanna

George Burns, who was an expert on aging—he lived to be 100 years old, once opined that “You can't help getting older, but you don't have to get old,” and also advised people to look to the future because that’s where you’ll spend the rest of your life.  Protesting that if he knew he was going to live as long as he did, he would have taken better care of himself, he may echo the feelings of those of us who wonder if there’s anything else to do down there when we stoop to tie our shoes.

I’ve found in my own life that while some folks are blessed with good genes and will live to a ripe old age no matter how many unhealthy habits they have, one of the keys to quality of life as we age is exercise and it’s never to late to start.  That’s why music and movement are the themes for the New Year at The Summit of Uptown.  Singing and dancing will lift our spirits at sing alongs, musical theater, band concerts and rhythmic activities, as well as dance demos, yoga sessions and mind and body fitness classes.

Activities such as these can help in a number of ways.  They help increase muscle mass and bone density and may even have a positive effect on our cognitive function and mood. 

Muscle not only helps us burn calories and maintain our weight, it keeps us strong and contributes to balance and bone strength. Without it, we are at risk for losing our independence and our mobility.  The good news is that muscle mass—that decreases as we age—can increase no matter how old we are—when we exercise. 

Bones are as important as muscles as far as our well being goes.  Bones tend to decrease in density as we age, and for some people, that can lead to osteoporosis.  While the exact amount of exercise to increase bone density has not been pinpointed, research does show that weight lifting—or even just walking—can increase bone density in the hip and the spine. 

One of the most exciting areas where exercise improves life is cognitive function.  Research shows that brain neurons—the cells that help you think, move, and basically keep you alive as well as helping your memory—increase after just a short time of regular activity. And as far as improving your mood, just talk to anyone who exercises and they will tell you how good they feel after a workout.  A good dose of exercise—whether it’s your heart beating and your blood pumping or just getting out in the fresh air—generally improves your mood.   

If you were enjoying the carefree lifestyle at The Summit of Uptown, exercise options would abound with such opportunities as workouts with coach Mike Wittmann, yoga, tai chi and meditation with Mariana Krstevski, morning exercise classes with Lynn Peterson or drum circles with Chris Lavidas. We invite you to come and check out The Summit for yourself at one of our upcoming events such as John Boda’s Songwriter Showcase featuring the music of Irving Berlin on Friday, Jan. 31, at 1:30.  Call for reservations by Tuesday, Jan. 27.  To find out more about the many other activities, services, programs and amenities at The Summit of Uptown, visit the Summit Facebook page, our website at www.summitofuptown.com, or call 847-825-1161 to schedule a personalized tour of our completely renovated community. 

Introducing The Summit Quiz 

Based on this blog, name at least three exercise options that are available at The Summit of Uptown.   To be eligible to win a free lunch for two at the Summit, please fill out the form below and mail it back to The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Touhy, Park Ridge, IL 60068, or email us making sure to include your name, phone number, address, and email address at Audrey@summitofuptown.com.   Monthly winners will be eligible for entry in our annual contest.  Be sure to check this column for more details next month.

 Summit Quiz Entry Form

NAME AT LEAST THREE EXERCISE OPTIONS AVAILABLE AT THE SUMMIT OF UPTOWN.

1.                            _____                   2.                                                           3.                                                           

All ENTRIES MUST BE MAILED TO THE SUMMIT OF UPTOWN AT:

SUMMIT QUIZ   10 N SUMMIT AVE PARK RIDGE, IL 60068

ENTRIES MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE LAST WEEKDAY OF THE MONTH.

PLEASE INCLUDE:

NAME                                                                                                                                                                                                 

ADDRESS:                                                                                            CITY                                       ZIP                                        

EMAIL:                                                                                                                                                                                                

For other questions and comments, write to me at The Summit of Uptown, 10 N. Summit Ave., Park Ridge, Ill 60068 or send an email to audrey@summitofuptown.com. You can also check my blog for more advice at www.summitofuptown.com.