I have made a conscious decision to learn more about healthy aging and to make exercise a regular part of my daily activities. Dr. Weil, in his book Healthy Aging, mentions the importance of physical activity to live a healthier life as you age:
“It is probably possible to lean an inactive life and still experience healthy aging, but it isn't likely. Maintenance of physical activity throughout life and successful aging go hand in hand; this was one of the strongest correlations found in the MacArthur Foundation's Study of Aging. Almost all of the health seniors I know were physically active throughout life, and many of them still are. They walk, dance, play golf, swim, life weights, do yoga and tai chi. Some of them are more engaged in physical activity than their middle-aged counterparts.”
I whole heartedly believe that you need to exercise, stretch, and practice relaxation and breathing techniques on a daily basis for a number of reasons: reduce anxiety and stress, keep your joints and muscles healthy, improve circulation, strengthen your heart, and sleep better at night.
As Dr. Weil mentions, you don't want to over exercise as it could be detrimental to your health. A brisk walk and steady bike ride sound healthier than the rhythmic pounding on your joints when jogging. Stretching before exercise helps circulation and warms up the muscles before exercising, but stretching is important throughout the day just to release bound up energy ( chi ). As a developer who spends a lot of time on the computer, I need to take regular breaks of stretching and meditation to revieve myself and eliminate the negative effects of sitting in a single position for a majority of the day.
Dr. Weil also mentions drinking up to 4 cups of green tea a day as part of healthy aging. I drink 2 cups of green tea in the morning after stretching and tai chi, and then drink 2 cups of green tea in the evening after additional stretching and meditation. Not only does the green tea have numerous health benefits, but the process of making the green tea and sipping it is very relaxing in of itself.
For a healthier you in 2006, make a conscious decision everyday to improve your health by planning plenty of exercise ( like walking, yoga, and tai chi ) to improve circulation, strengthen your heart, sleep better, reduce the effects of stress, etc.
Healthy Green Tea
Healthy Aging and Exercise Information