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The broad consensus that regular exercise is a positive in many facets of life is a delight to bring into reality in a state full of parks, mountains, beaches, great weather, and just plain fun.
UNC Health puts it this way: “When we don’t exercise, we miss out on a wealth of benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional health. Exercise is medicine. Exercise is the most important thing you can do for your health overall.”
And among the aspects that help people sustain regular exercise is living in a place where it’s fun to go outside and play. Like, say, North Carolina’s 42 state parks and 10 National Park sites, along with hundreds of city, county, and town parks, greenways, and other outdoor areas.
Consider a few Tar Heel highlights:
Along our beautifully varied coastline…
• Wading the Outer Banks’ wide beaches or tracing the path of the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kill Devil Hills.
• Strolling Wilmington’s Riverwalk or biking the countless bicycle routes amid and connecting coastal towns, including sections of the East Coast Greenway.
• Sailing, kayaking, or canoeing the Albemarle Sound and other waters just east of the Outer Banks.
• Fishing and boating on Lake Gaston.
Amid the small towns and great cities of our piedmont…
• Touring the walkable downtowns of Mount Airy, Reidsville, and other towns, along with the Salisbury Greenway.
• Experiencing the great golf offerings of the region, highlighted by world-famous Pinehurst.
• Exploring the excitement of cities like Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, and Greensboro.
• Floating on the Lumber River, designated one of the state’s 10 Natural Wonders.
In the mountains…
• Hiking or biking as part of a drive along North Carolina’s high-elevation, 250-mile portion of the 469-mile internationally famous Blue Ridge Parkway.
• Hiking and camping along the 96 miles in North Carolina of the Georgia-to-Maine Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
• Navigating the world-famous Mile High Swinging Bridge at Grandfather Mountain or Sequoyah National Golf Club at Cherokee.
• Whitewater rafting (or gentler paddling) on the French Broad River or within the Nantahala Gorge.
North Carolina is truly a national power for any kind of vigorous or leisurely activity you have in mind, often folding in a series of events and destinations rarely available in combination elsewhere. Age plays no part. It is open to all from grandkid to grandpa.
The state is also home to countless YMCAs and other fitness facilities. Charlotte alone has 19 Ys. Asheville has three, Raleigh seven.
Among the opportunities featured at the YMCAs and other gyms are swim exercise classes tailored for an aging population, many aerobic classes ranging in difficulty, pickleball courts for all levels of player, and considerable socialization. Many of these gyms have become virtual community centers.
There are at least 28 hiking clubs in North Carolina, covering most parts of the state and giving hikers the option of climbing mountains or walking the beach as the tide goes out. If you are interested in riding your bike with a group of similarly-aged people, try the OBX Silver Riders near the Outer Banks. Most sizeable areas of the state have bike clubs and hiking groups.
For one of the most underrated forms of exercise, Carolina Dance Collaborative has a wide variety of dance classes that “cater to the needs of residents who struggle with illness, disease, or disability” and “welcome wheelchairs, walkers, and even oxygen tanks.”
Live theater can offer exercise for the body and the mind, and North Carolina has many community theaters. They range from the North Carolina Stage Company in Asheville, Carolina Theatre of Greensboro, The Carolina Theatre of Durham, the Community Theatre of Greensboro, High Point Community Theatre, North Carolina Theatre Conservatory, and the North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre. There are several others, and almost all are looking for volunteers.
There is so much bungee jumping in the Western North Carolina mountains that Asheville has a list of its Top 10. Of course, this is not for the faint of heart or fragile of limb, but there are those who like the idea of celebrating a 75th birthday with a nice bungee jump. Is that you? Maybe not. How about a skydive, instead, at one of the state’s locations, most of them at the beach?
Many retirement communities are supplementing their golf courses and tennis courts with pickleball courts, and people of a certain age are running around them at all times of the day and night.
It’s a new world for older people in North Carolina and it is one that is welcoming, offering all types of opportunities to entertain and keep you healthy.
Wellness Tips
Fit at any Age
Two important aspects underlie fitness for those of a certain age.
First, you’re never too old to start (or to continue to improve and refine if you’re years into your fitness odyssey).
Second, if you are just beginning, check with your doctor before you start (and listen and respond to your body if you are a veteran exerciser).
From there, it’s keeping in mind the old adage that the first step— whether into a new program or sustaining your daily habit—is the hardest step. One mental key in getting going is the fact that regular exercise benefits every aspect of the body and life overall—from brain and butt to heart and health.
Once the shoes are laced, there are common-sense tips for keeping them moving.
1. Start slowly, both in the contexts of a program start-up and your daily routine. Warming up prevents injury.
2. Look for programs and activities that address all three aspects of fitness: aerobic, strength, and balance. The National Institute on Aging recommends at least 150 minutes a week of exercise including all three realms.
3. It doesn’t have to be a gym. Walking counts. Gardening counts. For the recommended twice-weekly strength training, your own body weight (pushups, squats, lunges) and things like resistance bands and dumbbells can build muscle strength and endurance.
4. Modify your approach to life toward exercise: Walk to dinner, bicycle to church, use the steps instead of the elevator, build activity into date nights. Practice looking for a way in instead of a way out.
OK, regular exercise…check! Now, as you enjoy the considerable benefits, keep in mind the associated habits that make for an even healthier and more satisfying life: Eat reasonably and in balance. Get your sleep—every night. Stay socially connected through friends and family. Push your brain toward curiosity and activity. Address stress thoughtfully and actively.
Oh, and a couple more: As you go outside and play, remember that there is no bad weather, just bad layers. And every day is a great day for a picnic!
