Our neighbours to the south recently celebrated Thanksgiving. Any time we think about gratitude, most people often put their health high on the list.  And not much boosts your health quite like healthy habits — including regularly exercising, eating right, sleeping well, and managing stress. It’s always a good time to express gratitude. And here are a few more items to add to your gratitude list, all related to how fitness enriches our lives at any age. Can you think of any others?

1. You’re never too old to start exercising and see immediate health benefits — for your body, brain and spirit.

2. Over-50 fitness is a growing trend in the industry around the world, as more gyms, studios, manufacturers and “thought leaders” continue to see the economic power of “older” people wanting to stay healthy.

 3. You can exercise anywhere — with a lot of equipment, with a few items, or with nothing but your body and some motivation.

 4. Consistency is key to success, and it’s liberating to accept this truth — rather than to always be chasing instant results or miracle cures and berating yourself when you fall short some days.

 5. We can enjoy occasional, big meals more when we’re practising healthy lifestyles consistently. That doesn’t mean we get to eat more food at them — just that we’re allowed moderate indulgences when we are regularly exercising and eating right.

6. We sleep better when we exercise regularly. And is there anything better than sleeping well?

 7. Exercise lowers stress, high blood pressure, cholesterol, risk of diabetes, and obesity — just for starters.

8. It keeps us stronger when we come down with illnesses, and it helps us recover from surgeries and other setbacks.

9. Exercise is good for brain health, improving memory and mood, and lowering the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

10. Staying fit and eating right are the best defences against heart disease, the No. 1 killer in many countries.

11. Weightlifting has a greater effect than running, walking or cycling on lowering the risk of heart disease, according to the British Telegraph.

12. Exercise is the miracle drug. It’s good for your bones, muscles, balance, heart, mental health and sleep.

13. Fit folks are better lovers. At any age.

14. Your grandkids will want to play with you more when you’re ABLE to play more.

15. Most people love to travel freely. And that requires strength, stamina and flexibility. In other words — fitness! Enjoy the upcoming holidays, other big events, and daily life as much as possible. It’s easier to do when you’re fit! Offer thanks and give love — to everyone, including yourself. Happy Holidays!

(Content provided by Shelley Turk, Functional Aging Specialist and owner, ProActive Fitness)

-Shelley Turk