At age 84, why in the world would I want to exercise?

As senior citizens, we are told by our doctors, children and friends that a program of regular exercise is very good for us.

- By Constance Bean

The way this information is shared one might think it is the magic cure for all that might ail you from head to toe.

But being fair to these well-meaning folks — and exercise is truly good for us all as it does much to improve our flexibility, our moods and our bodies overall — yet at my age of 84 there is just something so comfortable about spending a few extra minutes in a warm bed, a few hours in a comfortable chair with a good book, writing an inspired next article or watching a favorite TV program.

After participating in a busy day, I tell myself that I deserve this much awaited rest time in my favorite chair.

To get up a bit earlier on the cold winter days, bundle up and head out the door becomes less and less desirable the older I get.

I confess to being one of these procrastinators about getting the appropriate regular exercise these past years. Everything hurts in the morning, bed is warm, the chair feels so good and I am almost through a favorite book — I might begin exercising tomorrow.

​But this last year I had a wake-up call that said directly to me, Connie, you must plan an exercise program.

I had a third-degree heart blockage in May and was saved only because a dear friend, Nancy Focht, was sitting next to me on my couch and insisted I needed help, and off to the ER I was sent.