8.02 – Importance of Regular Exercise and Nutrition
Movement is Life Our bodies are designed to move—not just in youth, but throughout life. Regular movement keeps the joints flexible, the blood flowing, and the mind alert. Exercise doesn’t mean lifting weights or running marathons. For most elders, a simple routine like a morning walk, gentle yoga, or even sweeping the veranda can work wonders. One retired postmaster in Karnataka shared that after he started walking just 20 minutes a day, his knee pain reduced, and he began sleeping better. The key is to move in ways that feel joyful, not forced. Exercise as a Mood Lifter Beyond physical health, exercise is a proven mood enhancer. It releases chemicals in the brain that uplift our spirits and reduce stress. A widowed grandmother in her 60s who felt lonely after her children moved abroad started attending a women’s laughter yoga class in her colony park. The laughter, light exercises, and bonding with others transformed her emotional state. The body heals when the heart i...