The knowledge that exercise is good for you has been around for quite a while, but until recently seniors have been left out of the picture. The truth is -- all ages benefit from regular, consistent exercise. You can argue and fight the facts, but the truth still remains.
Staying physically active will not only give you more energy, rev up your metabolism, help you sleep better and improve your balance, but it can also help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities.

Even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of seniors who are frail, or who have diseases that accompany aging. It’s never too late to start exercising. No matter how inactive your lifestyle has been, there is an exercise program that you can add to your day with confidence that you will receive many benefits.

Don’t Be Afraid to Exercise

Have no fear, Nike is here. Exercise and physical activity are among the healthiest things you can do for yourself, but some older adults are reluctant to exercise. They may be afraid that exercise will be too strenuous, or that physical activity will harm them. We’re here to squash that stinkin’ thinkin’.

Exercise is safe for all age groups.

Older adults hurt their health far more by not exercising than by exercising. An inactive lifestyle can cause older adults to lose ground in four areas that are important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance.

Growing older doesn’t mean you have to lose strength or your ability to do everyday tasks. Exercise can help older adults feel better and enjoy life more, even those who think they’re too old or too out of shape.

Interesting 1966 Study (from Senior Journal)

In the original Bed Rest and Training Study, five 20-year-old healthy men were placed at bed rest for 20 days and experienced a dramatic loss in exercise capacity and cardiovascular fitness (in other words, they became “out of shape.”) After 8 weeks of intensive exercise training, the five 20-year-old men were able to recover and surpass their original level of aerobic fitness, or get back into shape.

30 Years Later the same five original study participants were located-- now men aged 50 to 51 -- to participate in a follow-up evaluation. Their baseline fitness levels were similar to the fitness levels they had experienced after 20 days of bed rest 30 years earlier. Amazingly, with 6 months of moderate aerobic exercise, all five middle-aged men had restored their aerobic and cardiovascular fitness to the baseline levels they had enjoyed 30 years earlier, as healthy 20-year-old men. So, with as little as 6 months of moderate aerobic exercise, middle aged individuals can reverse the effects of decades of aging on cardiovascular fitness.

All too often, a sedentary lifestyle is the norm for middle age and older adults. As a result, physical, emotional and mental energy weakens, the risk of disease increases, and depression is on the rise for seniors. Like everything in life, it boils down to a choice. It’s a choice to get off the couch. It’s a choice to lace (or Velcro) the shoes. It’s a choice to actually go out the door and take a walk, but it’s a choice that will continue to get easier to make and the long lasting benefits will enrich your life.

The very best ways to feel and look years younger than your age are:

1) don’t smoke, 2)get plenty of exercise, 3)maintain a positive attitude. Exercise may not actually be a fountain of youth, but it is as close as it gets at this point.

If you still have a few doubts or are a bit skeptical as to the benefits, try the challenge of participating in Senior Fitness Month (May) activities at a number of local health clubs and community centers. Start with walking up and down your driveway or around the block.

If you don’t feel better after 30 days, you can go back to your couch, your clicker, and complaining about how tired you are. It sounds absurd, but you will actually feel more energetic and full of vitality if you exert just a little bit of motion and movement of those major muscle groups every day for 10 – 20 minutes, 3-5 days per week. Start with a smile. It will help you with your attitude adjustment! See you at the track!