Weight Gain Shouldn't Be Part of Your Retirement Plans

Health and fitness are growing concerns for all of us today. We are constantly trying to unearth new solutions to existing health problems. Also the newest, weight loss method or diet is sure to capture the interest of the masses. No one likes to be called "obese" or "overweight". These terms are unwelcome, and they are associated with an unhealthy body. Obesity unmanageable weight increase can strike you at any point of time-even in old age. It might sound surprising, but it is a fact. Research has proved that we tend to gain weight as we age. There are many reasons for this-physical, mental, biological and many other radical changes that combine together to leave us weighing a few pounds more. Such weight increase can occur gradually, yet steadily if not checked. Our body experiences many changes as we begin to age -- after the 40s. Slowly, our muscle mass and strength decreases, at approximately the rate of one-third or one-half of a pound each year. Worse is the fact that the space is attacked and occupied by that undesirable compound called "fat". One of the main reasons why we tend to gain weight as we age is that our body's infrastructure consisting of bones, muscles, and joints shows signs of weakness and begins to give way. This in turn results in lower metabolic activity whereby we fail to burn up those extra calories and fat. Hence, we gain weight. Not only that, decreased metabolism leads to lower energy levels and we experience signs of old age like leathargy, tenderness, weakness, lack of enthusiasm for strenuous labor, a decrease in mobility, etc. Imagine yourself not able to complete even your daily tasks like bathing, cooking, etc; and having to depend upon others. All this and more because of gaining a few pounds! Weight gain hastens the aging process. Are there ways avoid this entire struggle? Yes, but success depends on your attitude. Following are some tactics you might want to try. ¢ Be conscientious about your diet-whatever you eat should strengthen your system. It is always good to have a balanced diet consisting of rich sources of minerals, calcium, vitamins, etc. as they are needed to protect your system form breakdown. Remember that your body's insulin resistance contributes in a big way to weight gain. ¢ Healthy lifestyle is a must to combat weight gain. Cardiovascular and aerobic exercises are helpful in reducing excess weight. Include as much physical activities as you can in your daily routine so that your muscles do not waste away from under use. Some simple alterations in your activities can boost your energy level and self-confidence too. For example, try to walk or take public transportation instead of driving; try to avoid using remote controls for your entertainment devices; try to do some household chores like cooking, gardening, shopping for grocery, etc. as opposed to farming these tasks out to others. ¢ A sound mind makes it much easier to keep a sound body. Have a positive outlook on life and things will definitely brighten up for you. Also, try to attend a strengthening program where you can have your muscles regain their lost strength and firmness. Research has proved that those who attend such programs find themselves rejuvenated and stronger than young people in their 20s. ¢ Always have a hobby or a pastime so that you are not idle and amass unwanted fat, while failing to use your muscles.