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Speakers of the calibre of David Knoff, the expedition leader stranded with his team in Antarctic during COVID, can regularly be heard at this global institution that places a premium on knowledge, not qualifications.
Radio calisthenics – Japan’s secret to old age strength and well-being
Radio calisthenics, which is known as rajio taiso in Japan, is a popular form of exercise that involves following a set of simple movements to music and instructions broadcast on radio. It originated in Japan in the 1920s and has, since then, become a major part of the culture. Children learn it from a very young age, and it becomes a daily routine that many maintain all their life.
Radio calisthenics is usually performed in the morning, before work or school, by people of all ages and backgrounds. It becomes a social activity for many who choose to do it in the park with a group that they meet each day.
It’s also very good exercise for senior citizens. Did you know that doing by radio calisthenics regularly, Japanese seniors are much less likely to experiences sarcopenia, one of the big age-related muscle losses that can impact on the lifestyles of seniors?
They can also reduce the risk of osteoporosis, fractures, joint pain and injury. In short, by doing radio calisthenics, seniors will find that they’re better able to perform daily activities such as lifting objects, getting up from chairs and climbing stairs. They will be able to live independently for longer, and really make the most of their retirement.
It’s very simple to learn, and only lasts for three minutes so it’s not a major imposition on your day. From there you’ll be ready to tackle each day with gusto.
Research shows that radio calisthenics can also increase a senior’s self-confidence and self-efficacy by helping them achieve their fitness goals and overcome their physical limitations. Furthermore, radio calisthenics can improve seniors’ cognitive functions by enhancing their attention, memory and executive skills.
How to get started with radio calisthenics: The routine is easy and can be found via googling radio calisthenics. From there, the goal is to simply turn this three-minute routine into a daily habit. One good way to make sure you stick to the routine is to get a group together to do radio calisthenics. Start by asking friends and local community groups, and then watch as word spreads and more and more people are interested in giving it a go. Pick a neutral location, such as a central park, and bring a music player with the iconic music loaded up on to it. From there, simply walk all your new friends through it, and then organise to meet up with them again the next week.
It’s not just good for the body. Radio calisthenics can also benefit seniors’ mental health and well-being by boosting their mood and self-esteem. The music and instructions that accompany it can create a positive and stimulating atmosphere that can lift seniors’ spirits and motivate them to exercise.
Most importantly, though, is that you have fun. This isn’t something to perfect or get better at. The goal is to follow easy movements, to the best of your physical ability, and enjoy the stretch and motion. Once you’re done with the routine, a coffee or snack is always a good way to cap things off and get the day started.
In Japan, televisions have broadcast the radio calisthenics routine into households every day at 6:30am since 1957. This is the ideal time of day to do it. It wakes you up without chewing into any of the other activities that you have planned for the day. It truly is a win-win – better health and well-being with no change to lifestyle. So why not get started tomorrow?
