Exercise offers many benefits to older Americans, including a decreased risk of falling, according to the Mayo Clinic. The strength, flexibility, coordination and balance gained from regular physical activity is the reason for the potential decrease in falls. Your specific health and physical condition influence your approach to exercise in later years.
Choose Gentle Activities
Exercise that is easy on the joints helps you ease into physical activity, especially if you are currently inactive. The Mayo Clinic recommends exercise with slow, flowing movements, such as water aerobics or walking. Bicycling and swimming may also work well. Consider your current fitness levels and your interests when finding an exercise routine that works for you. Starting slowly reduces the risk of injury and soreness, according to Family Doctor.
Add Strength Training
Strength training increases your muscle strength, which is just as useful to older Americans as young people. According to the National Institute on Aging, increasing your muscular strength may help you live independently because you can better handle everyday tasks, such as lifting bags of groceries. Light hand weights add strength training to a basic workout routine. Family Doctor recommends wall push-ups, chair squats and bicep curls for gentle strength-training options.
Exercise Together
Exercising with other seniors makes the workout more enjoyable and gives you time to socialize. Group exercise situations also increase the safety of the workout because you have others to help you should you have difficulty or get injured. An exercise class meant specifically for seniors is one option that should be appropriate for your age. Walking is another activity that works well with others because you can socialize as you work out.
Consult Your Physician
If you are currently inactive, consult your doctor to help devise an appropriate exercise plan. This is particularly worthwhile if you have existing health conditions that may influence your workout. According to Family Doctor, most seniors can safely exercise, even with serious health conditions, but your doctor may have certain restrictions or guidelines to follow. You should also contact your doctor after starting an exercise routine if you experience unusual symptoms. This includes chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness, nausea or balance difficulties. Pain that lasts longer than a day or two after exercise is also worth a call to your doctor.
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