Older People Weak to Exercise

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PHYSICAL FITNESS

Aren't older people too weak to exercise?

Many older people think they are too old or too frail to exercise. Nothing could be further from the truth. Staying physically active is key to good health well into later years. Yet very few people exercise regularly.

Physical activity of any kind from heavy-duty exercises such as jogging or bicycling to easier efforts like walking is good for you. Vigorous exercise can help strengthen your heart and lungs. Taking a brisk walk regularly can help lower the risk of health problems like heart disease or depression.

Climbing stairs, calisthenics, or housework can increase your strength, stamina, and self-confidence. Weight-lifting or strength training is a good way to stop muscle loss and slow down bone loss. Your dally activities will become easier as you feel better.

How does regular exercise help the elderly?

	Regular, active exercise such as swimming and running, raises your heart rate and may greatly reduce stiffening of the arteries. Stiff arteries are a major cause of high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke.
	People who are physically active are less likely to develop diabetes, or they can control it better if they do have it. Exercise increases the body's ability to control the blood glucose level.
	Regular activity, such as walking or gardening, may lower the risk of severe intestinal bleeding in later life by almost half.
	Strength training, like lifting weights or exercising against resistance, can make bones stronger, improve balance, and increase muscle strength and mass. This can prevent or slow bone-weakening osteoporosis, and may lower the risk of falls, which can cause hip fractures or other injuries.
	Strength training can lessen pain in arthritis. It doesn't cure arthritis, but stronger muscles may ease the strain and therefore the pain.
	Light exercise may be good for your mental health.

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