Martial Arts is great for older Adults, however, many would not consider it as an activity for themselves. This is unfortunate because it is a great way to maintain muscle mass, improve balance and flexibility. One of the greatest predictors of longevity as we age is leg strength and hip flexibility. After age 60 years old, we lose 3% to 8% of our muscle mass per decade if we don't actively exercise. This is when falls become devastating. This muscle mass loss is preventable through exercise, weight lifting, walking and Martial Arts training.
Learning new information alters how the brain ages. The natural aging of the brain causes certain processing speeds to slow down, but targeted mental stimulation actively rewires neural networks. On average, the cognitive performance of a 71-year-old who actively engages in later-life learning matches that of an average 65-year-old who does not. Keeping the muscles flexible and strong along with slowing brain atrophy is a good recipe for graceful aging. You can start Martial Arts at any age. The techniques and drills can be modified so that the older Adult can participate. Doing Shotokan Karate is a full body work out and it involves both the right and left brain, which is great for brain health.
To start Martial Arts, you do not have to be in good shape. You start by simply doing what you are able to do and you build from there. With time, you will get in better shape and you will notice you are stronger and more flexible. Why not let 2026 be the year that you invest in your own life and learn a new skill? Especially a new skill that improves muscle mass, balance, flexibility and brain health.
Call Guerrero's Shotokan at: 816-224-4447 to schedule a free class or go to the website at: www.guerrerosshotokankarate.com and complete the form online. We would love to introduce you to Shotokan or Aikido.
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