Aging affects our mental and physical health, but it’s important
to know that many of these changes are due to inactivity and
being overweight. You have the power to slow the aging process
through regular exercise and eating right. According to the
Harvard Medical School, a man’s maximum heart rate begins to
decrease by 1 beat per minute per year beginning in his late
20s. In addition, there is a decrease in the amount of blood the
heart can pump, which leads to a decrease in aerobic fitness.
Regular exercise can slow the decrease in maximum heart rate,
increase the heart’s ability to pump blood, and reduce blood
pressure. Research shows that adults lose 8% or more of their
muscle mass each decade after they reach 40. Strength training
helps to slow this loss. The National Institute of Aging
recommends that adults do two 30-minute strength training
sessions each week. Try weight lifting, weight machines, muscle
conditioning classes, or exercise bands. Limited range of motion
is a major factor in reduced mobil