Senior K

Kellogg Store | Kelloggs.com | Kellogg Corporate | Senior K Index


		Change Text Size:

Retiree Tips

Current Retiree Tip| Retiree Tips Archive

Stay Active with a Best Friend - A Tip from a Retiree

Get Active! Get a Dog?

"When you retire and you go for your annual checkup and your doctor. says he wants you to exercise - get a dog!

"Find a good spot to walk on a daily basis and make sure you do it. Once you establish this daily practice it will become second nature. Your dog will then expect you to take him/her and will hound you until you do. You will find you'll walk in all kinds of weather and enjoy walking with your four- legged buddy."

- Donald V. Worth, Sr.

Do you have
a retiree tip?

Donald V. Worth, Sr. submitted the tip for this month's Retiree Tips article. If you have a suggestion, you can submit it by clicking here.

Once you retire, the old adage says "now you have time to focus more on yourself and your life." Well, one Kellogg retiree believes that focusing on caring for a four-legged friend is just the thing to help you improve your life!

A dog can be a 'best buddy' to help you maintain good health and help ensure you live your best life after retirement.

Certainly pets bring lots of rewards, but consider how a dog can bring more activity to your life. Did you know that many of the problems that are associated with getting older are not due to age, but to lack of activity? It's true, many ailments could be reduced with just 30 minutes of daily mild exercise.

There have been lost of studies touting the benefits of exercise, not matter what your age. Here's a snapshot of those positive things:

Benefits of Exercising*

Older adults who exercise tend to:

Lose weight
Look younger
Feel better
Have more energy
Sleep better
Fewer medical visits
Stay more active in other areas of life

*According to Baptist Memorial Health Care

Whether it's a furry friend who gets you active, or for whatever reason, here's some reminders about getting started:

Choose an Activity You Enjoy - Exercising is a lot easier and much more fun if it's an activity you enjoy. So, whether it's walking, jogging, dancing, gardening, swimming or biking, chose an activity you can look forward to doing every day.

Get the 'OK' - Consult your health care provider before beginning any activity. Let him/ her know what kind of exercise routine you want to begin and let him/ her advise you on how you should proceed.

Dress Appropriately – If you're walking, jogging or dancing wear loose, comfortable clothing and arch-supporting shoes. If you're biking, wear a helmet and pads. Whatever the activity, wear clothing that allows you a full range of motion, comfortably.

Take Your Time – Ease into your new exercise routine and slowly increase the intensity at a rate that feels good to you. You don't want to overdo it or pull a muscle, so be sure to warm up before each exercise session and cool down afterward with some simple stretches.

Check out these related articles in our archive:

The Benefits of Walking

Is It Time for a Pet? Considerations for Seniors

Getting out in January

Walking "Study" Illustrates Benefit