Originally Posted by BellaBoo

I found that by getting in better physical shape I have much less aches and pains. Not so much weight loss but building strength in your body. I went to a seminar on being fit while aging. It opened my eyes to the problems of being weak, feeling tired and getting more unhealthy while getting older. No matter your limitations, there are simple exercises to do that will make a great improvement in how you feel. One thing they had everyone do was to sit straight in the folding chair, arms straight down by our sides and raise up out of the chair using only our legs and stand straight up. It was amazing how many of the younger folks could not do it and some of the elderly could do it several times. People in wheelchairs or had back/knee/hip/feet problems had different exercises to do to show their level of fitness.

Originally Posted by deanna.r

One thing that might help is to get one of those exercise balls and use it instead of a chair. I learned this from my brother-in-law who works all day in an office at a computer. It encourages you to have small movements in your back and strengthens your core muscles (the ones that support your spine).


I'm not sure what happened here, but for some reason my reply is in the middle of someone else's reply or replies. Sorry about the screw-up.
I think this is a great suggestion. I was just fixin' to post a reply with a suggestion to try to get into the habit of doing core strengthening exercises. I am currently going to Physical Therapy three times a week for a back injury. The main focus in my sessions has been working on core strenght. Core strenght is so important in protecting our back and keeping us going, especially as we age. I may never be frolicking on the beach in a bikini but I'm sure starting to get a nice belly down in there somewhere!!:) :)

Get one size larger than would be recommended for excercise to put you at the correct height for sewing, computer, etc.