Exercise and the Older Person

Exercise is good for people of any age. It can help make you stronger, prevent bone loss, improve balance and coordination, lift your mood, boost your memory, and ease the symptoms of many chronic conditions.
A lot of the symptoms that we associate with aging -- such as weakness and loss of balance, are actually symptoms of inactivity, not age.
In fact, some people in their 70's, 80's, and 90's are out there running marathons and becoming body-builders. As previously mentioned exercise improves more than your physical health. It can also boost memory and help prevent dementia. It can also help you maintain your independence and your way of life. If you stay strong and agile as you age, you'll be more able to keep doing the things you enjoy and less likely to need help.

Studies show that exercise can reduce your chances of a fall. Exercise builds strength, balance, and agility.  Worried about osteoporosis and weakness. One of the best ways to strengthen them is with regular exercise.
 
If you have a chronic health problem -- such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease -- exercise is almost certainly a good idea. Check with a doctor first, but exercise will probably help.
 
If you're in chronic pain from arthritis, exercising may seem too painful. Studies show, however, that exercising helps with arthritis pain. One study of people over age 60 with knee arthritis found that those who exercised more had less pain and better joint function.
 
Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. That might sound like a lot, but it’s actually only a little over 20 minutes a day. What's more, you don't have to do it all in one chunk.  For instance, you can take a 10-minute walk in the morning and pedal on a stationary bike for 15 minutes in the evening -- you're done.
 
Maybe you just recovered from an illness or surgery and are feeling too weak even to walk around the block. Maybe you only get out of the chair each day to go to the bathroom. If so, start there. Decide today to get in and out of your chair 10 times. As you do it more, your strength will increase, and you can set higher goals.
 
Remember that any physical activity counts. Whether it's catching up with a friend while you walk the mall, or taking a dance class, or chasing your grandchildren, or bowling, or raking, or gardening,  it's all physical activity.
 
The key is to figure out something you enjoy doing and do that. When you get tired of it, try something new. The type of exercise doesn't matter. The best exercise is the one that you actually do.
 
For those who like a gym style activity, NorthWest Physio+ runs a class for those over 50. It is a 45-minute physio led circuit class incorporating Pilates elements, which will help with everyday function and mobility. Check out more details here - Keep Active Pilates