Exercise can be beneficial for anyone – at any age. Exercise makes the heart stronger enabling it to pump more blood and deliver more oxygen throughout the body. Exercise can also increase flexibility, strength and bone mass and help to regulate the bowel, control diabetes (for some people), lower blood pressure, reduce stress, reduce body fat, and lower cholesterol.

 

With so many healthful benefits, why would anyone not exercise – regardless of his or her age? There is a common misconception that our bodies will inevitably become slower, frailer and less mobile as we age. Physical decline is not an unavoidable part of the aging process. Inactivity is more often the cause of frailty in the elderly. Even people residing in nursing facilities, who exercise regularly can improve their strength, balance and flexibility. Many common health problems can be prevented or reversed with regular physical activity.

 

A daily program of exercise for 20-30 minutes is all that it takes! Activities such as walking, cycling, jogging, swimming or dancing can improve the functions of the heart, lungs and circulation. Walking can be done year round – indoors or out, the benefits are the same.

 

The safe way to begin an exercise program is to have a complete physical examination and consult with your physician or health practitioner about any limitations or precautions. Start slowly (about 5-10 minutes a day) and gradually increase the amount of exercise and the length of time. Do not continue to exercise if you experience any pain from a specific motion. Contact your doctor if the pain does not disappear within 48 hours or if it becomes severe on one side of the body.

 

Once you are able to exercise for 10 minutes comfortably, you should begin a program of exercising every other day and work up to about 30 minutes of continuous exercise. It is important to allow the muscles about 48 hours to recover from the extra use. Exercising on alternate days with a rest period in between can also reduce your risk of injury.

 

The key to maintaining a successful exercise program is to make it appealing. Here are some suggestions that you might incorporate:

 Choose activities that you enjoy

 Make small changes in your daily routine so that physical activity becomes a regular part of your day

 Exercise with a group, a friend or alone – whichever is the easiest and most fun for you

 Be realistic about what you can do

 

What about those of us who have a medical condition that impedes or limits our ability to exercise? A successful exercise program can be designed to accommodate just about any condition.

 

People with bad knees may find that cycling can be done with little or no discomfort. Swimming is another exercise that is gentle on all of the joints in the body.

 

People with varicose veins will find that a walking program can stimulate and improve circulation.

 

Contact your local Senior Center or YMCA for information about exercise programs that they offer. The local YMCA’s run regular classes in Adult Fitness and Senior Fitness in addition to their youth programs. Your local library can also assist you with books and videos relating to exercise and aging.

 

Holyoke Sun Article for 4/22/98