Benefits of Exercise

Spotlight on Bob!

Bob is aging gracefully as an 83-year-old with 7 adult children, 19 grandchildren, and 21 great-grandchildren. He’s had two knee replacements, but he’s a no-excuse kind of guy. He walks his dog daily – rain or shine – and rarely misses Strength & Balance class.

About a year ago, Bob was walking with his dog when he fell on an uneven surface.

When he fell, he hit his face on the ground with all his weight, breaking a cheekbone and creating the need to have a plate surgically implanted in his cheek.

The surgery went well, but it took Bob time to gather his courage to get back to his “normal” life.

After seniors fall, it’s common for them to withdraw and reduce their daily walks or other activities because of the fear that it will happen again.

And the truth is… it may happen again.

Unfortunately, inactivity may reduce the chance of falling but also creates an increase in the likelihood because our bodies stay strongest when we are active.

Bob knew he had to get back to the benefits of exercise quickly.

Bob was aware that he needed to get moving again. He had been active all his life prior to this incident. During his career in plant engineering, he had been moving all day long. After retirement, he drove for the senior center for 10 years. He still volunteers for Meals On Wheels.

Bob came back to our exercise class but moved cautiously at first.

As the teacher, I encouraged him to start small, work at his own pace and keep near to his chair during standing exercises in case he needed it for balance. It didn’t take very long and Bob was becoming his old self again!

He told me, “Many times, I really don’t feel like getting up and going to class, but I remind myself that it’s important, and so, I get out the door and get to class whether I want to or not.”

I’m grateful for Bob and his courage and determination. I’m grateful, too, that we have a local exercise class where students are fun and they get to know each other.

Motivated people like Bob are there as an encouragement to others, too!

Questions for you…

Are you committed to being active like Bob is?

Can you imagine how hard this has been for him to face the fear and do it anyway? Congratulate Bob in the comments below!