What You Should Know About Older Adults and Exercise

As you age, it often becomes harder to feel motivated to exercise every day. But exercise is one of the most important things seniors can do for their mental and physical health. Many health problems associated with aging can be slowed down, reduced or even eliminated with a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise. Here are a few more things about senior exercise and how it can benefit your life well into your golden and silver years.

Exercise Recommendations for Seniors

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults 65 and older receive no less than 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. At least two days of muscle-strengthening activities (such as weight resistance training) are also recommended each week to maintain muscle mass. You should also try to incorporate balance-challenging exercises into your weekly workout routines at least three days each week.

Benefits of Regular Exercise

Exercise is important during all stages of life, but it’s especially important for seniors. Those who stay active into their senior years are more likely to enjoy improved mobility and a higher quality of life than those who become sedentary as they age. Here are a few of the top benefits regular senior exercise can provide:

• Increased energy levels
• Improved cognitive function
• Better mental health and decreased risk of depression
• Improved strength and balance
• Greater flexibility
• Reduced risk of various diseases
• Improved weight management
• Greater strength and independence

Most mature adults can safely exercise unless they’re specifically told not to by their doctors. Even patients with high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease and other health conditions can exercise. In fact, they’re often advised to exercise to improve their health and prevent their diseases from progressing.

Ideas for Living a More Active Life

Now that you’re aware of some of the benefits senior exercise can provide, it’s time to figure out how you’ll increase physical activity daily. Here are a few things you may want to try:

• Join a local gym
• Sign up for aerobics, weight training or swimming classes in your area
• Explore local hiking or walking trails
• Travel and explore new destinations
• Join a volunteer program such as Mercy Brown Bag
• Take up gardening
• Go for morning or evening walks when the weather is cool
• Try a new sport (such as basketball or tennis)
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator whenever possible
• Do bodyweight senior exercises (such as sit-ups and push-ups)

You may also wish to consult with your doctor about the types of exercises recommended for your current fitness level. Remember to start slow and pay close attention to your form if you haven’t exercised for a while. You can always work up to more intense workout sessions as your physical fitness levels improve.

Start Exercising Today

You don’t need a detailed exercise plan or a gym membership to enjoy senior exercise benefits. The most important thing is that you choose to increase your physical activity, starting today. So whether you take a walk, ride a bike or weed your garden, you can rest assured that you’re taking an essential step toward improving your physical and mental health.