c h a p t e r 4
Encouraging Wellness
People of all ages can benefit from healthy habits such as regular exercise and good nutrition.
“I’d like you to try this exercise routine.
Just start low and go slow.”
Mrs. Green is surprised when Dr. Lipton recommends that she exercise regularly. She responds with a list of excuses: exercise is for young people, it’s not safe for people over 65, it takes too much time, exercise equipment costs too much. Dr. Lipton listens empathetically and then tells her that exercise and physical activity are good for people of all ages and that being sedentary is far more dangerous than exercising. He explains that Mrs. Green can “start low and go slow” by walking for 10 minutes at a time and building up to at least 30 minutes of physical activity on 5 days or more each week. At her next offi ce visit, Mrs. Green says that she has more energy than she used to; in fact, she’s ready to try a dance class at her senior center.