You know that exercise is the key to physical fitness, especially later in life. But did you also know that fitness is, in turn, the key to wellness, or our overall wellbeing, as we age?
That’s right. Having strength, stamina and agility well after 50 is integral to maintaining our quality of life at any age. Not only does it improve our physical health, but fitness also is the bedrock of maintaining the other components of wellness, including our emotional and spiritual lives.
We’ve always been told if we have our health, we have everything. If we’re fit, we can maintain our independence and zest for living at any stage of life.
WHAT IS WELLNESS?
Maybe you’ve heard wellness discussed and wonder what that word means.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) writes “People often think about wellness in terms of physical health — nutrition, exercise, weight management, etc., but it is so much more. Wellness is a holistic integration of physical, mental, and spiritual well-being, fueling the body, engaging the mind, and nurturing the spirit.”
There are many definitions, and the term “health” is often used interchangeably with “wellness”. But they all generally mean the same thing. I like this one from the Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion. It affirms the social, economic and environmental aspects of health and wellness.
This important Canadian document states that, in order to be healthy, “an individual or group must be able to identify and to realize aspirations, to satisfy needs, and to change or cope with the environment”. In this way, health or wellness is seen as a resource or an asset that helps us lead our everyday lives. It is seen as a positive concept that emphasizes social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.
Most experts list six to eight categories. Feel free to adapt the list as necessary but remember to keep it as broad and robust as your life. Here’s the breakdown provided by the International Council on Active Aging:
• Physical – Exercise and nutrition are essential to maintaining independence and health. Period
• Emotional – “coping with challenges and behaving in trustworthy and respectful ways.”
• Intellectual/Cognitive – “engaging in creative pursuits and intellectually stimulating activities.”
• Professional/Vocational – using your “skills while providing personal satisfaction,” including as mentors, volunteers, caregivers and more in retirement.
• Social – “interactions with family, friends, neighbors and chosen peer groups.”
• Spiritual – “living with a meaning and purpose in life, guided by personal values.”
• Environmental – practicing habits that promote a healthy environment; understanding how different environments affect you.
WHY HABITS ARE SO IMPORTANT
The NIH makes no bones about it.
“Habits very much influence health, well-being, and quality of life. If you are striving to improve these, you need to think about habits, because if you change your habits for the better, you change your life for the better,” it says.
Making good changes and reinforcing good habits are helped by strategies like scheduling, accountability, convenience, and more. And being part of a gym or fitness community is an invaluable way to build the solid wellness you want and deserve! Aside from the physical aspects, it can help you to nurture your social and emotional health as well.