Stairlift need not mean an end to exercising
THE way people talk about exercise, you’d think it could cure just about anything. It’s been proven to reverse physical decline, protect your brain, improve your mood, and keep your heart healthy.
Even if you have never exercised before, it’s never too late to begin.
In fact, research suggests taking up exercise after retirement can help to prolong your life, increasing your chances of living until 90.
The NHS recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week at a moderate intensity (or 75 minutes at a vigorous intensity). However, only 2 per cent of older adults in Britain achieve this. A mixture of cardio and strength-building exercise is recommended.
Swimming is a fantastic option, as it’s non-weight bearing, so takes the pressure off your joints.
And even tasks such as carrying home the shopping, gardening and gentle housework benefit the body.
Regular exercise such as tai chi and walking can reduce the risk of a fall by 12 per cent in people over 65. Start slowly and build up.
It’s always possible to exercise — even if it means doing leg lifts and arm curls while seated. But if mobility is now a real issue, the stairs might prove a challenge too far. Staying in the home you are used to is completely feasible with the help of a stairlift, a brilliant energy-saving device that can help you avoid strain and enjoy life more.
Every year, around 60,000 new stairlifts are installed — with most owners finding them so helpful that they wish they had had one put in years earlier.
Without question, some exercise is better than none. However, stairs are steep and there is the risk of falling if you feel unsteady, dizzy or tired.
Given the choice, many older people would prefer to use a stairlift for at least some of their stair journeys, and expend energy in more pleasurable, stimulating and sociable ways, such as taking a walk in the park, or enjoying trips out with their family.