Even at 60, Richard Uzelac is still crushing it. He’s serving the entrepreneurial spirit and active lifestyle. Many people ask how we stay active when we grow older. In this blog, I’ll share my tips on doing it.
More Than Just Physical: The Profound Mental and Emotional Benefits
While the physical advantages of regular activity are widely celebrated, its impact on mental and emotional well-being is equally, if not more, profound, especially for seniors. Beyond the list of physiological improvements, consistent physical activity acts as a powerful antidote to some of the common mental health challenges faced in later life.
A Healthier State of Mind:
A number of studies have found that exercise helps depression. For seniors— who may experience increased isolation, loss, or changes in routine, the risk of depression can be elevated. Regular physical activity offers a robust, non-pharmacological pathway to a brighter outlook. There are many views as to how exercise helps people with depression:
- Neurochemical Boost: Physical activity stimulates the release of endorphins, which are natural mood elevators that can produce feelings of euphoria and reduce perceptions of pain. It also influences neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which are often implicated in mood regulation.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Exercise is a highly effective stress reliever. It provides an outlet for pent-up energy, helps to lower cortisol levels (the “stress hormone”), and promotes a sense of calm and relaxation, leading to improved sleep patterns.
- Enhanced Cognitive Function: Beyond mood, regular physical activity supports brain health, improving memory, attention, and problem-solving skills. This cognitive boost can lead to a greater sense of independence and confidence.
- Improved Self-Esteem and Confidence: Achieving fitness goals, no matter how small, fosters a sense of accomplishment and self-efficacy. This can significantly improve body image and overall self-worth, particularly for seniors who may feel their physical capabilities are diminishing.
- Social Connection: Many forms of exercise, from group fitness classes to walking clubs, offer opportunities for social interaction, combating loneliness and fostering a sense of community. This social engagement is a critical buffer against depression.
- Distraction and Mindfulness: Engaging in physical activity can serve as a welcome distraction from negative thoughts and rumination. It encourages individuals to focus on the present moment, promoting a form of active mindfulness.
The Golden Question: How Do We Stay Active?
Staying physically active, especially as we grow older, often feels like a constant battle against waning enthusiasm.
Some days, we may not feel the same motivation we had yesterday, but it’s essential to recognize that we can actively reignite that spark.
The secret is that we must find a powerful motivator, which is subjective for everyone. And when we find this, stick to it. Moreover, to sustain that dopamine-driven momentum, you need to build habits where the process itself—and the optimistic sense of progress—becomes intrinsically rewarding.
The secret lies not in chasing external rewards but in a deeper understanding of our brain’s dopamine system – a powerful motivator that can keep us moving in the right direction.
- Instead of viewing dopamine as a reward after an action, consider it a fuel that propels us toward an action. We need to shift our focus from a simple “reward system” to a “motivational system.” Imagine this: if you genuinely believe you’re on the right path, heading toward a healthier, more vibrant future, that belief itself generates a subtle dopamine surge. Rather than celebrating a completed workout, it’s about the positive feeling derived from knowing you’re building a beneficial habit.
To put it simply, find a habit formation where the process itself and the positive thought of progress become intrinsically rewarding.
Richard Uzelac’s Key Thought:
The secret to staying active is to consistently find this ‘sweet spot’—a habit formation where the process itself, along with the positive sense of progress, becomes rewarding. It’s not about specific achievements (like a new distance run or weight lifted) but about the reinforcing knowledge that you’re doing it and moving in a positive direction (for example, becoming healthy).
This continuous, self-reinforcing loop of belief and action is how we truly ratchet up our commitment to staying active, making consistency feel less like a chore and more like an effortless flow. I would always say to myself that it’s about the process over the reward.