National Family Health and Fitness Day
September 24th is National Family Health & Fitness Day. And what better way to celebrate than to actually do some things to keep you healthy and fit? And what better way to do those things, than with people you love? So, let’s get going by giving you some ideas on how to come together as a family to exercise, enjoy one another’s company, and improve the quality of everyone’s health and life in the process.
- Put the baby in a stroller, let your elderly loved one push (to give them something to hold on to, if necessary), and take a walk through the neighborhood or local park/walking trail. Not only will you get the benefit of exercise, but conversation and sharing life are part of the package, too.
- Cornhole and washers are great ways to work those arm muscles, keep eye-hand coordination strong, and they give everyone a dose of vitamin D (sunshine). Laughter will also most likely be involved, as well.
- Pickleball is a hugely popular sport among people of all ages. If you can, why not have a family competition between generations, guys and gals, or however the numbers work out for you? And don’t worry about an official court if you don’t have access to one. This is about having fun and exercising together. Find an empty parking lot and play!
- Golf—the ‘real’ kind or miniature (putt-putt) are great ways to come together as a family to exercise and enjoy each other’s company.
- September is also World Alzheimer’s Month and the 21st of September is World Alzheimer’s Awareness Day. As a family, sign up to participate in a walk-a-thon to raise money for Alzheimer’s research. Of if there isn’t one in your area, make your own, by ‘charging’ family members and friends a set dollar amount to walk laps around the local school track or a nearby paved trail, and give the money to an Alzheimer’s care unit at a local nursing home to provide special items for the residents in the unit.
See? There are lots of ways to spend quality time together making memories, sharing life, and staying healthy and strong in the process. National Family Health & Fitness Day—now there’s a day worth celebrating more than one day a year!
Guest post By Darla Noble
The views expressed by the author may not reflect the views of Age Safe America, LLC. The content here should not be taken as medical, legal or financial advice. The content here is for informational purposes only, and because each person is so unique, please consult your own healthcare, legal or financial professional with any questions.