Discover how you can take the path that leads to a longer, stronger life.

In a boat motion sickness is common, but on land motion wellness means being active and staying active. Reseachers have shown that life over 50 is enriched or diminished by the amount of healthy activity pursued.

This is not just gym time or exercise musts. It’s about choosing to be more active morning, noon and night.

To live longer, and age well, we all need to move more and sit less at home, in the office, on the weekends.

The payoff is big.

Your mood steps up as exercise fights stress, anxiety and depression. Had a long day? Blow off some of that steam at the gym and see how much better you will feel. You will sleep better too.

You can help prevent heart disease, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. You can also boost good cholesterol, decrease triglycerides and lower high blood pressure.

Your weight becomes less of an issue as you maintain a good weight or lose extra pounds with more calories burned.

Your whole day is energized. A half an hour of exercise a day can turn your whole day around, as your heart and lungs learn to work better.

The choices are wide open. If you are moving it counts.

You may want to walk in the park, hike on the weekends, go dancing, birdwatch, or just do some leisure shopping and strolling. Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and treadmills are all waiting at the gym.

When you are working try to stand more, sit less, and keep hand weights in your desk. Use coffee and lunch breaks to take short walks or do a few stretches. At home, build in a little active work every day, vacuuming, scrubbing, rearranging furniture, digging in the garden, or polishing silver. And, as we know, one task inspires another. Great for spring cleaning!

The opposite choice is sinking deeper into that comfortable chair, lingering at the table, lounging here and there. As we settle into laid back leisure, the body slows down. Good intentions often get sidetracked. Then when we do go hiking or spend time in the garden all of those unused muscles protest. It really is true. To not lose it you must use it.

But all is not lost. It’s never too late to start moving.

Start with the activities that you love and remind yourself to do more. Then reap the benefits of better sleep, and less weight, as you ward off chronic diseases and experience a natural upping of attitude. You will feel better, look better, and have more energy.

As we move through life, we sometimes forget what one little step in the right direction can mean. That first step can become a lifelong habit carrying you forward through the years.

Sandy Schroeder for Third Age.