Physical activity is important throughout life. However, as you age, it becomes even more important. Remaining active throughout your golden years can keep your mind and body strong, healthy and active. Exercise can help maintain strength, flexibility and bone density in elderly people, and it can even preserve cardiovascular fitness, alleviate arthritis symptoms, challenge the body and boost brain function. Finding the right sports or activities to match your personality and personal preferences is essential to healthier aging.
Even if you have health problems or limited mobility, exercise can help you feel stronger, healthier and more able. Before beginning any new workout regimen, talk to your doctor about his or her suggestions. Your doctor can make recommendations on ways that you can reduce your fall or injury risk. Additionally, begin any new workout or routine to slowly and gradually build up your tolerance and avoid injury, discouragement or burnout.
Cardiovascular Exercise
Cardiovascular activities refer to any activities that exercise your heart and lungs. Team sports, golf, competitive sports, brisk walks, aerobics, water aerobics and swimming are all considered cardiovascular activities. Water activities reduce the pressure on your joints and can be extremely beneficial to those who suffer from arthritis, joint pain or obesity. Try to work out half an hour most days a week at a moderate intensity to maximize your benefits.
Strength Training
Weight training and other activities that are designed to build muscle can keep you strong, maintain bone density and improve balance and coordination, which can reduce your fall risk. Use light weights when you are starting out to reduce the risk of strains and injuries, and keep your repetitions high to build more lean muscle. Use weights two to three times a week for the best results.
Flexibility
Staying limber can promote joint health and help you perform essential daily tasks, which plays a critical role in independent living. Try gentle stretching, Pilates or yoga a few times a week.
Social Interaction
Single or solo workouts can be a positive way to burn some calories, but exercising with a group offers a unique social outlet along with incentives to keep exercising. The camaraderie of team sports and group fitness programs offer fun, lasting enjoyment and friendly competition. Tennis, basketball, shuffleboard, bowling and similar activities in which you keep scores can help burn calories, build muscle mass and make new friends.