Many older adults have retired from their office desks for good. Despite the fact that retirement should be a time for recreation, travel and well-deserved break from work, many seniors find themselves inactive and confined to their chairs and couches, which can have a huge impact on their overall health.
Whether you or a loved one you care for has just retired and is living at home, in an assisted living facility or nursing home — be alert, and do your best to counteract the harmful effects of sitting still.
Working out and staying active is critical to your health at any age, but if you find yourself sitting for long periods of time make sure you are aware of the health risks associated with it, and what you can do instead.
As soon as you sit
The electrical activity in your legs shuts off. Enzymes that breakdown fat in the body slow down by 90 per cent. Calorie burning drops to only 1 per minute. Good cholesterol levels drop up to 20 per cent.
If you sit frequently
You are twice as likely to develop heart disease, and more at risk for developing certain types of cancer.
What you can do
If you must sit for a while, do it right!
Forget good ‘posture’, sit back and relax! Sit at 135 degrees with your back leaning back at bit. This is a much healthier position that won’t strain your back over a long period of time.