Baby Boomers Are The Fittest Generation

Baby Boomers, born between 1944 and 1964, reportedly rack up more hours of exercise each year compared to those under 40. Baby Boomers on average total around 364 hours of physical activity each year compared to those under 40 who average around 281 hours.

A report by Fitness Australia revealed Baby Boomers are not only getting physically active to improve their health, but confidence was also a huge driver. Boomers want to prove they can still do it by challenging themselves, and enjoy the physical, mental and social benefits that come with it.

Getting started is the hardest part, whether it’s pulling on your runners and stepping out your front door to go for a walk or joining a group fitness class with a friend. But when you overcome that first step, you will build up confidence and start enjoying yourself. No matter your age, being active has so many benefits, including feeling physically and mentally stronger.

When I was younger I used to love going to the gym with it’s workaholic attitude and competitive atmosphere. And women used to like men with muscles back then, and still do now. Today I prefer to work out at in the comfort of my own home, as I find I can motivate myself quite easily.

One way to ensure you stay active is to find something you love to do. Tips to get moving include uncovering what motivates you. That means if you like being outdoors, consider activities such as bushwalking, cycling or outdoor bootcamps. Also finding activities you love, buddying up and incorporating fitness into your daily routine, such as gardening, taking the stairs instead of the lift and taking the dog for a longer walk.

Many local parks have outdoor gyms and exercise equipment for public use. These include simple, static equipment for chin-ups, sit-ups and step-ups. You can also find interactive and movable equipment with cardio and resistance.

Everyone knows that engaging in mental tasks such as crossword puzzles go a long way to holding the dreaded dementia at bay. But, according to doctors and health professionals, an even better preventative is meeting and talking to people while exercising or playing sport. Getting out and about is the name of the game.

A new sport that is tailor-made for seniors has taken off in Australia called Pickleball. I’ve written an article about it here.

Boomers who haven’t tried the sport of Lawn Bowls are missing out on a wonderful sport while making new friends. Lawn Bowls isn’t just about drawing your bowl closest to the little white ball (jack). It’s about using your bowl to move your opponent’s bowl away from the jack and replacing it with your own. It’s also about running a fast bowl at the head (bowls around the jack) to change it in your favour. It’s about accuracy and skill, it’s competitive and character building and very addictive.

All bowling clubs have coaches who will teach you how to bowl and the correct way to play the game. New bowlers are never left to fend for themselves. You may join your local bowls club as a social member first if you wish and enjoy all the amenities the club has to offer. Watch a few games of bowls, then when you’re ready to play simply jump right in.

I could write down a list of motivational tips here to keep you on track for when you start feeling lazy and want to slacken off from your exercise routine. But I think just the one will suffice. Whenever you start to feel as though it’s all too much effort, think up a mental image of a nursing home.