How to Stay Fit as You Age

The three health-promoting characteristics that make up the foundation of healthy old age; knowing what is one's locus of control and its importance; these and other questions are answered in this first step on a journey that can change one's life.

Dr. Bonura discusses the secrets of motivation and illustrates the six stages of behavioral change; pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance and termination; conquering common barriers to change; procrastination.

The fundamentals of self-care, which involves choosing behaviors that help balance the stress of modern life; looking at sleep, nutrition, mental exercise and stress management; pre-sleep rituals, strengthening one's long-term memory with puzzles.

Using physical activity to take better care of oneself; looking at the components of physical fitness, including three that specifically support healthy aging; the basics behind any successful fitness plan; how to develop one that works.

One does not need the gym to build movement into their daily life; how to stay active throughout the day; making simple choices such as walking with a colleague; taking a dance class or cultivating better posture; moving better and feeling better.

Mindful fitness is a major part of aging healthfully; exercises that cultivate unity between mind and body; learning basic yoga, tai chi, martial arts and meditation; combining physical exercise with deliberate breathing and mental training.