Senior citizens can reap the many benefits from physical activity, including weight control, lower blood pressure and osteoporosis prevention. It is important to plan some type of physical activity in your everyday routine.
Physical activity does not have to be strenuous in order to provide health benefits. It may include walking, housecleaning and hobbies, such as gardening, woodworking and shopping. Weight training can help keep muscle mass from declining. Exercising in a warm water pool and Tai Chi might be soothing for those with arthritis or other joint problems. Even people who are not able to stand may benefit from exercising while seated.
Here are some tips to increase your physical activity:
- Do physical activity with a friend or relative. You'll help motivate each other and it's safer.
- Drink plenty of fluids. Have a drink of water before exercising, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Increase the strength of your leg muscles. When watching television, stand up at least once during each commercial break.
- Walk whenever you can. Don't park in the space nearest the building to which you are going.
- Use plastic milk jugs filled with water or cans of food as weights to do arm reaches.
Adults over the age of 65 years should consult a doctor about exercising. Health care professionals generally recommend that senior citizens get thirty minutes of light to moderate exercise five days a week, but personal health issues should be considered in determining the best form of exercise for each individual.