FREE TIME

Many of us have varying lifestyles.  But, there is one that is quite popular among seniors. Living a sedentary lifestyle is quite popular; and particularly, among those of us who are retired.  Oh yes, there are the tennis players and the golfers but what about all those retirees who don’t even resort to any real physical exercise like even taking a walk?  Even with the availability of our fitness center there are some people who are virtually “Couch Potatoes”.

I have heard that word for quite a few years and realize that I had almost adopted it as a label for myself until I researched its origin and meaning.  It refers to one who leads a sedentary life and particularly enjoys activities including sitting, reading, watching television, playing video games and using the computer for most of the day with little or no vigorous physical exercise.  Then, I searched further and found out that the term couch potato had actually had a birthday.   It came into being on July 15, 1976 when it was first uttered by Tom Iacino of Pasadena, California during a telephone conversation.  He was a member of a group in Southern California who amusingly opposed the fads of exercise and healthy diet in favor of vegetating in front of the TV and eating junk food giving themselves the name “boob tubers” substituting the name potato for tube, hence couch potato.  Subsequently, Couch Potato was registered as a trademark.  Robert Armstrong, also a “boob tuber” member drew a cartoon of a potato on a couch and formed a club called the Couch Potatoes.  He began merchandising paraphernalia such as T shirts and dolls. He even published a newsletter and a book, called Dr. Spudd’s Etiquette for the Couch Potato.  So today, the couch potato culture is in vogue. 

As humorous as the couch potato movement may appear, it also signals a serious note to all of us.   A sedentary life may be innocent of itself; but, it is important to understand that excessive sitting and watching TV is linked to negative health consequences.  Think for a moment that in years past, people hospitalized for surgery or other medical issues remained bedridden for weeks at a time.  The medical profession came to recognize that getting the patient up and walking as soon as possible insured quicker recovery and increased longevity.

Walking can be considered the cornerstone for survival and good health.  Most important is that you check with your doctor and if you know your general health condition is okay you can decide how much and how fast you can walk.  Strolling in Walmart, Publix or a mall is fine but walking as an exercise is a bit different from a stroll.Walking involves moving at a pace that feels comfortable for you. The National Institute of Health and Human Services recommends for adults 65 and older to do two and a half hours a week.  However, if that is too much, be as physically active as your abilities and condition allow. 
 

Your free time is more valuable for your health if you avoid being a couch potato.