Despite the frailty that often comes with advanced age, exercise is still an important part of staying healthy. In fact, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians, exercise is not only safe for people over the age of 65, it can also help improve a number of common health conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia, heart disease, obesity, arthritis and diabetes. Whether you are accustomed to physical activity or are trying to start an exercise regimen, you should always consult a physician and consider individual health conditions before starting an exercise program. Fortunately, there are many ways for you as an elderly man or woman to stay fit through gentle yet effective exercise.
Warm Ups
It is important for you to take care when exercising in order to prevent injury and maximize the benefits of your routine. Begin by dressing in comfortable, loose clothing to allow for a wide range of motion, and wear supportive shoes to aid in the maintenance of proper posture and arch support. Next, warm up before exercising by walking, stretching, and remembering to breath deeply.
Recommended Activities
After a gentle warm-up, choose a low-impact aerobic activity that you can perform safely for at least 30 minutes. The AAFP recommends walking, cycling and swimming as ideal forms of exercise for seniors, as well as light resistance training several times per week. In addition, you can do stretching and strengthening practices like yoga and tai chi for safe, effective and calming warm-up and cool-down activities.
Benefits
Exercise helps to counteract many of the health conditions that plague seniors and it can also prevent degenerative conditions. When performed as a combination of strength training, balance and flexibility practice and aerobics, regular exercise improves your basic immune, gastrointestinal function, cardiovascular health and cardio-respiratory function. Exercise will also reduced your risk for illnesses like cancer, Alzheimer's, heart disease and osteoporosis.
Warning
While exercise can be wonderfully helpful for you, it can also be dangerous if performed incorrectly or against the advice of a physician. Always consult your doctor before beginning an exercise regimen. Also, stop exercising and call a doctor if you experience pain or pressure in the chest, difficulty breathing, light-headedness, severe imbalance or nausea.
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