The possibility of each of us making a difference in lives of those around us is present everyday.
As a retired physical therapist I have known people who were more than 96 years old and worked everyday to improve their balance and strength and joy of living.
Age and arthritis are not the bottom lines; moving more often and focusing on improvement, no matter what age and level of disability, is possible and fun.
My mom used to say, “your health is your wealth” and we all know that to be true.
If each of us in 2018 chooses one friend, spouse, neighbor of any age to consistently and dependably encourage them to exercise more each day in meaningful ways (not just walk the dog slowly around the block) to improve strength and balance and perhaps decrease obesity, we would all be a richer and healthier community.
It is a proven truth that more people stick with exercise if they have a “buddy.”
The power of the spoken word in encouragement and shared goals of daily exercise throughout months of true follow-up and commitment to better health is tremendous. Instead of asking a friend to go out for lunch, invite them on a “brisk” or “vigorous” walk or aerobic solo dancing routine in your living room to music for 20 to 30 — or more — minutes.
And then do it many times together until that friend/spouse realizes being healthier and more fit is fun and worthwhile everyday for the rest of their lives.
Make 2018 a meaningful special year of “rich” exercise.
Barbara Paschal,
Sequim