subject: Excercise for Older Adults [print this page] "What can I do if I am over 50?" This is the question I have been receiving from many people lately. Well you have taken the first step and that is expressing interest. It is just as important for older people to exercise as it is for everyone else. Most older adults don't get enough physical activity and are reluctant to exercise. Many are concerned that it will be too strenuous and cause injuries. In this article I will address many of those concerns, describe some of the benefits to exercising over 50, and provide some advice on activities you can try.
Studies show that exercise is safe for people of all age groups. In fact many show that older adults are causing more harm to their health by not exercising. The loss of strength and stamina attributed to aging is due, in part, to reduced physical activity. Strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance can all be improved through exercise and are all extremely important in being able to live a long, healthy, independent lifestyle.
Some other benefits to exercising over 50 include:
Building muscle and increasing flexibility, strength, and endurance can help with balance issues, reduce the risk of falling, and improve your ability to handle everyday tasks.
Being more flexible may speed recovery from injuries.
Exercise can help you feel better and enjoy life more.
An increase in physical activity can help reduce the risk of diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, back pain, and osteoporosis.
Staying physically active can help prevent or delay certain diseases like degenerative spinal disorders and other disabilities as people grow older.
Exercising helps mentally as well as physically. It helps to increase moods and reduce stress and depression.
So now that you know the benefits, what can you do? Get ACTIVE. Start a routine that includes weights or resistance training. You can start off by using as little as 1 or 2 pounds of weight or no weight at all. Another option is the use of resistance bands. These bands work like large rubber bands and help to build muscle. They may be a little easier or less intimidating to using weights right off. Remember to only do as much as you can. For example, if you have bad knees, make sure you modify moves so you are not jumping around too much, but bad knees don't mean you get to sit on the couch.
Although P90X can be used by starting slowly and modifying the moves (you can actually find people over 50 doing P90X by searching you tube), there are other Beachbody programs that can be used if you don't feel comfortable. Try Slim in 6 or Power 90. Both videos are less intense and include cardio with light resistance training.
If you take anything away from this article I hope you understand the importance of making exercise a regular part of your daily routine. It will definitely have a positive impact on your quality of life as you get older. Remember to consult your doctor before starting any program and don't force yourself to do more than you can handle. Exercise should be an enjoyable part of your day.
