How to Stay Active as You Age

By now, you’ve surely heard about the benefits of exercise from just about everywhere. For many of us, exercise gets more difficult as we get older, so even if you know it’s something you should do, it doesn’t mean you know how to work out properly. Here are some of the main benefits to staying active as you age.

Why should you work out?

There’s a certain stereotype in popular culture that seniors are frail and sickly. While you may not be as physically active as you once were, staying active is an important aspect of maintaining bone and joint health.

Will “taking it easy” help you live longer?

There’s no evidence to support that resting will turn into a longer life. If you fear strain or injury, you may want to rethink the activities you’re planning. The activities you choose to stay active shouldn’t cause you strain.  

Is lack of exercise causing you harm?

Physical activity and regular exercise are beneficial because they’re helpful in slowing or even preventing the onset of certain diseases and disabilities. Staying active positively impacts seniors with arthritis, heart disease, or diabetes. While inactivity may not be directly causing you harm, there are numerous benefits to regular physical activity.

How does working out help?

Both physical activity and exercise can boost parts of cognitive function. You may be able to multitask, plan, remember, and be less easily distracted with regular exercise.

Remember: You don’t have to train like an Olympian! There are many things that count as physical activity that you may not even think of. Chores are a great way to get moving. Gardening, vacuuming, or walking the dog will have you walking thousands of steps before you know it! Additionally, many gyms and studios offer other types of more structured exercise like pilates, yoga, or aerobics specially tailored to seniors.

Are you too old to work out?

No! You’re really never too old to start engaging in more physical activity. In fact, studies have shown women between the ages of 75 and 85 were able to lower the risk of falls with regular strength and resistance training. While you may want to consult your doctor before beginning a new regimen, you can start exercising safely and effectively at any age. Many communities even have programs designed to help seniors stay active, so check with local gyms and senior citizen centers.