Hopefully, as we baby boomers move towards retirement, staying mentally fit will be of prime importance. And, with the effects of aging, physically we are starting to feel the aches and pains of our increasing years. Although there is but a few things we can do to insure that our mind stays sharp, there is a lot we can do to maintain our health.

Experts tell us that the number one aspect of keeping the fitness of our youth is remaining active. Exercising may be harder for us baby boomers because of increased joint and early osteoarthritis pain. But at this age it is important to keep exercising to strengthen muscles and help to reduce stress on the joints that muscles support.

A few simple tips can help us with our physical health:

• A good starting goal for those just beginning to take charge of their exercise regime might be exercising three days a week, 10 to 15 minutes each time.
• For overweight boomers (who isn’t?), losing just five to 10 pounds can lessen the stress on knees, back and hip joints while helping reduce arthritis pain, and lessen the chance of diabetes.
• Cut calories to lose weight as every pound equates to approximately 3600 calories intake. Cutting even 250 calories a day means losing a half-pound or more a week. Look for small ways to cut calories from your daily intake.
• Flexibility exercises can help joints be less stiff and can make them more easily moved. Yoga and low impact aerobics are great activities for long-term health, not to mention the social interaction with other retirees.
• Everyday activities translate into burned calories without you thinking of dieting. Most of us enjoy some aspect of gardening. Thirty to 45 minutes can burn up to 150 calories.

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