More and more older adults are staying active longer and seeing the benefits of regular exercise. People age faster when they are inactive. Other influences on aging include disease, trauma, nutrition, etc.
But when you’re more active, you age better. Benefits of exercise include physical, social and psychological (short and long term). Those short term benefits are better mood and decreased stress. Long term benefits are reduced depression, anxiety, perception of self-efficacy, mental sharpness, self-esteem and body image. Bone mineral density goes up and risk of falls and fractures decreases with regular physical activity.
Candaian Physical Activity Guidelines state to achieve health benefits and improve functional abilities, adults aged 65 years and older should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week in bouts of 10 minutes or more. It is also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups at least two days per week. Those with poor mobility should perform physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls.
Being active for at least 150 minutes per week can help reduce the risk of chronic disease (such as high blood pressure and heart disease) and, premature death. And also to maintain functional independence, maintain mobility, improve fitness, improve or maintain body weight, maintain bone health and maintain mental health and feel better.
So, join a community walking group (such as mall walking), go for a brisk walk around the block after lunch, take a dance class, train for and participate in a run or walk for charity, take up a favourite sport again, be active with the family, plan to have active reunions, go for a nature walk and/or take the dog for a walk.
The first week of June is Seniors’ Week in Alberta. With nearly 14,000 seniors, Strathcona County is holding a number of events which can be found online at www.strathcona.ca/seniorsweek. This year marks the first year that there are more seniors then children.