Kingsley's Advice: Use It Or Lose It
Illawarra Mercury
Tuesday October 5, 1999
Fairy Meadow retiree Kingsley Davis has not let old age slow him down.
The 71-year-old is a regular face at Beaton Park Leisure Centre, where he is an active member of the centre's Active Over 50s group.
``I find it beneficial to include regular supervised gentle exercise in my retirement lifestyle," Mr Davis said.
``Exercise provides improvement to the basic bodily functions, such as mobility, digestion and sleeping and it may help in shape and weight control.
``Exercise also maintains flexibility, strength and coordination, all of which makes an older person's life happier and safer.
``It is certainly true that if you don't use it you lose it!"
Mr Davis said variety was the key to an effective exercise program, so he made sure he incorporated many different activities into his regime.
``I find that daily deep breathing and stretching improves posture and maintains or restores the range of movement in muscle groups seldom used in retirement," he said.
``The heart muscle also needs exercise, so my program includes a quota of exercises that make me puff.
``This also improves circulation in stagnant areas and builds bone density and strength."
Although Mr Davis prefers to work out with a group, he said the Illawarra provided plenty of opportunities for those who wanted to go solo.
``The beaches and the hills provide beautiful locations to do-it-yourself by walking, swimming, cycling and playing," he said.
``I find it valuable to share opportunities in classes. There are exercise groups organised by the Department of Health, sporting clubs, ethnic groups, service clubs, city councils, community groups and commercial gyms. Some are free.
``Classes can provide incentive, variety, encour-agement, social occasion and make it fun."
Mr Davis, who underwent heart bypass surgery three years ago, credits his rapid recovery to regular exercise.
``Old age brings with it the risk of heart disease, stroke, broken bones, obesity and bad posture and these are lessened by regular exercise," he said.
``My recovery from bypass surgery was improved by regular exercise before and afterwards."
Exercise was not only beneficial to the physical, Mr Davis said.
``Exercise also has hidden benefits that improve us mentally and even spiri-tually," he said.
``In the end I think it is better to wear out from activity than rust out from inactivity."
© 1999 Illawarra Mercury