Autumn Years Summer 2024

and is quite often the culprit in decreased energy levels and loss of stamina. This one is easy. Our urine color is a good gauge of adequate hydration. Urine should be straw colored or lighter. If it is dark, it is time to drink up. Also, sleep disorders, regard less of etiology, will absolutely result in fatigue, inability to focus and decreased stamina. Psychological effects It is also important to understand that psychological factors such as depression, mental illness, anxiety or even stress often lead to lack of incentive, which can seriously impact stamina because of lack of motivation to engage in physical activ ity to maintain endurance. Ultimately, the cumulative effects of declining stamina have significant mental and emotional effects on seniors. Chronic fatigue and physical limitations may restrict their abil ity to enjoy life to the fullest, leading to feelings of boredom, loneliness and dis satisfaction. Consequently, many seniors may experience a decline in their overall well-being and sense of fulfillment as they struggle to cope with the challenges imposed by diminished stamina. The loss of stamina can interfere with seniors’ abil ity to maintain relation ships, pursue meaningful activities and engage with their sur roundings, further exacerbating feelings of isolation and disconnection. Many individuals derive a sense of purpose and satisfaction from being able to engage in activities they enjoy, whether it be socializing with friends, pursuing hobbies or participating in community events. However, declining stamina may limit

Regaining diminished stamina is a long, unhurried process. It is essential to listen to your body and progress gradu ally. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to injury or burnout. Start by setting realistic exercise goals. Focus on activities that are enjoyable and do them routinely, whether it is working out at a fitness facility, walking, dancing, swimming, gardening, tennis, pickleball or whatever else you choose, as long as it involves movement, resistance and cardio. Take note of how long it takes before you need to stop. Then gradually, each time you start again, aim to hang in there a bit longer by increasing the duration, speed, intensity and/or frequency of that activity. Many people are incentivized by devic es like Apple Watches, iPhones or Fitbits that track and record activities. Engaging in activities with a partner or friend can also involve some friendly motivating competition that can also help increase stamina. If you are new to fitness, it would be best to begin with a personal trainer who specializes in senior fitness to

their ability to participate in these activi ties, leading to feelings of inadequacy, frustration, isolation, and even depres sion. Furthermore, the loss of indepen dence resulting from reduced stamina can impact seniors’ self-esteem and sense of identity, as they may feel like a burden on their loved ones or society at large. What can I do to get my stamina back? The good news is that while the loss of stamina is a natural part of the aging process, there are steps that seniors can take to mitigate its impact and maintain a higher quality of life. In most cases, the most significant contributors to the loss of stamina in seniors are inactivity and sedentary lifestyles. Regular exercise, including activi ties that focus on improving endurance, strength and flexibility, can help seniors preserve and build their stamina. Incorpo rating regular exercise into daily routines is essential. Seniors should engage in a combination of aerobic, strength and flex ibility exercises. Aerobic activities like walk ing, swimming or cycling help improve car

guide and help you establish a safe and effective program. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, adequate sleep and stress management techniques can support overall physical and mental well-being. By taking

proactive steps to mitigate and manage decline in physical endurance, including routine cardiovascular and resistance exercise to regain and maintain strength, movement, functionality and stamina, seniors can enhance their resilience, main tain their independence, continue to lead fulfilling lives and stay Fit For Life .

diovascular health and stamina. Strength training, using light weights or resistance bands, can enhance muscle strength and endurance. Flexibility exercises such as yoga or stretching routines improve mobil ity and reduce the risk of injury.

SUMMER 2024 I AUTUMN YEARS 13