Everyone has seen the vivacious older women in commercials for hair color or menopause relief medicines. They are usually slender and well-groomed with a vitality that makes old age look wonderful. Unfortunately, as many women age, they become sedentary and uninterested in exercise programs. Exercise is necessary for people of any age, but women are at particular risk for certain diseases as they age, so it is important for older women to develop exercise programs.
Warning
The first and most important thing a woman should do before starting an exercise program is to get a thorough health screening. Although age alone does not indicate that a person cannot exercise, some health issues do limit the amount and type of exercise that can be done. Always check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program.
Examples
Dr. Bryan D. Struck and Dr. Karen M. Ross recommend simple, fun activities to help give you a daily dose of exercise. These activities include dancing, washing the car, gardening, walking and biking. Include at least one of these activities on most days to get the maximum benefits.
Age Is No Excuse
Struck and Ross conclude that barring any diagnosed health defects, exercise is desirable and effective at any age. Regular exercise can help reduce the need for multiple medicines, can decrease blood pressure and increase bone density. For women, bone density is a particularly vital consideration. In addition, they say exercise can improve balance and the ability to conduct day-to-day self-care activities.
A Mental Boost?
In addition to the physical advantages of exercise for older women, researchers hypothesize mental benefits as well. British researchers have reported in the Archives of Neurology that after six months of a rigorous exercise program, older women performed better on verbal and memory tests. The assessment was small, but offers an interesting glimpse into the possibility that exercise may enhance mental agility as women age.
Use It or Lose It
Experts agree that exercise is important for everyone at any age. An exercise program is particularly important for older women as it helps improve physical function that enables them to live independently and to take care of their everyday needs for as long as possible. The adage is true: Use it or lose it. Just remember to get a health screening first, to start slowly and to keep with it.
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