Physical activity is beneficial at any age. It becomes even more important as you grow older.
Exercise can extend your life. According to the U.S. Public Health Service, regular exercise reduces cardiovascular disease risk, promotes weight loss, improves muscle functioning, helps prevent diabetes, helps control stress, and helps prevent bone loss associated with aging.
In spite of this widely-known information, more than 60 percent of Americans are not regularly physically active. And older people tend to be less active than younger adults.
How Much Activity is Enough?
Any activity is better than none. Those people who are totally inactive (or sedentary) have the highest mortality risk. As the amount of physical activity increases, the risk of death decreases. That's a pretty good reason to become more physically active! Swimming, bicycling, walking, aerobics, and many other activities will help protect your health.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American College of Sports Medicine recommend that everybody be physically active 30 minutes or more on most, or all, days of the week. It might take you some time to build up to that level, but it can be done.
How Old Is Too Old?
As long as you can breathe and move, there is some form of physical activity that you can benefit from. Studies have shown that people over 90 can still build strength and endurance with a carefully planned physical activity program. If you have been sedentary and are over age 40 and male, or over age 50 and female, see your doctor and plan an activity program that will be of benefit to you. The time to start is now.
Fitness is a lifelong need. Being physically active is something over which you have total control. Pick the activities you like, invite friends to join you, and get started growing older better. |
