You are never too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity!
Did you know that, for the most part, when people lose their ability to do things on their own, it doesn't happen just because they have aged? Often it is because they have become less active and have lost ground in the areas of endurance, strength, balance and flexibility. Fortunately, seniors can maintain—or at least partly restore—these four areas through physical activity.
Physical activity doesn't have to be difficult in order to improve your health. Even everyday physical activities (walking briskly or gardening) can accomplish the same goals as formal exercise. What may seem like very small changes in physical activity can have a big impact on your health. Additional health benefits can be gained through greater amounts of physical activity, either by increasing the duration, intensity, or frequency.
Physical Activity
Help maintain the ability to live independently and reduces the risk
of falling and fracturing bones.
Reduce the risk of dying from coronary heart disease and of developing
high blood pressure, colon cancer, and diabetes.
Help reduce blood pressure in some people with high blood pressure.
Help people with chronic, disabling conditions improve their stamina
and muscle strength.
Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and fosters improvements
in mood and feelings of well-being.
Help maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints.
Helps control joint swelling and pain associated with arthritis.
Because risk of injury increases with more vigorous physical
activity, start slowly and don't overdo. If it has been a while since you've
been physically active, you should start with short intervals of physical
activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually build up from there. If you'd like
to start doing a new physical activity, you should talk to your doctor about
it first before trying it.
Here are some great resources for Michigan seniors
who want to safely increase their physical activity and general well-being:
If it has been a while since you've been physically active, you should
start with short intervals of physical activity (5-10 minutes) and gradually
build up from there. If you'd like to start doing a new physical activity,
you should talk to your doctor about it first before trying it.
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