Have you heard of the term “sitting disease” before? If you have not, it is time to learn more about it. After all, this is a serious health concern, especially if you are in your golden years.
But first, what exactly is a sitting disease? Contrary to its name, it is not actually a disease. Rather, it refers to more than 30 chronic health issues related to sedentary behavior such as sitting. So, if you spend too much time sitting in front of your television, or are not active enough, you have the sitting disease.
So, why is this critical for you as a mature adult, and what is the best way to prevent the development of the sitting disease? Read on to know more. You will thank us for it later!
The Risks of the Sitting Disease
Unfortunately, as a mature adult, you already run a higher risk of critical health issues, like diabetes, physical disabilities, cognitive decline, and heart disease. And yet, you may also struggle with exercising regularly. After all, your body won’t quite work the same as when you were in your prime years. Hence, this is why the sitting disease is so common among those in their golden years.
In fact, a whopping 9 hours is the average amount of time mature adults spend sitting daily. Terrifying isn’t it? Unfortunately, this sitting disease can aggravate your health risks, and significantly worsen your physical and mental health. In fact, a scientific study found that a sedentary lifestyle is directly linked to a shortened lifespan.
Staying Active to Avoid Sitting Disease
Now that you know how serious sitting disease is, how exactly can you prevent it then? It is simple. Lead an active lifestyle. Nonetheless, it can be difficult for you to engage in certain exercises. Hence, it is important for you to know your limits, and how much you need to exercise to attain the right fitness level. Here is a tip. Ask your doctors or professionals to know how long and how much you should be exercising for.
Activities to Remain Active and Prevent Sitting Disease
If you think that staying active means you need to go for boring runs every day, you need to think again. Did you know that instead of runs, you can also go for dance classes or nature walks? That’s right. The key point is simply being on the move, and ensuring you have some form of physical activity. So what are some engaging and safe activities that you can participate in? Tai chi, gardening, and yoga are some excellent choices. For instance, tai chi is a low-impact and slow-motion exercise. And that means you can enjoy all the health benefits (like relief from arthritis, better mood, reduced risk of falling, and improved balance) in a safe manner. Apart from tai chi, you can also opt to make more active health options. For example, taking the stairs instead of the lift, or walking to your destination instead of taking public transport.
