New Exercise Tips for Aging Adults Posted: April 5th, 2010

Do you want to live a longer, healthier life? Exercise may be the key to longevity. Older adults who engage in moderate exercise are better able to fight disease and age more comfortably.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has recently released updated exercise tips for aging adults to aid them in staying healthy:

• Check with your doctor. Exercise is important but you should to do it right, especially if you already have a disease associated with aging. Talk to your doctor before beginning your exercise program. The doctor may have safety tips that are specific to your medical condition
• Set short-term and long-term goals. Setting goals makes it easier to start exercising even if it's been awhile since you've been active
• Start slowly and work your way up. Your body needs to adjust to the new level of physical activity, especially if you haven't been active in a while. Start slowly with low-intensity exercises, and always do low-intensity exercises at the beginning and end of your workout routine
• Find exercise that you enjoy. Life is too short to do things you don't like. You don't have to join a gym. Instead, take a dance class, go for long walks, or try a team sport for older adults
• Add variety. You need four types of exercise: endurance, strength, flexibility, and balance. Supplement your normal routine to make sure you're getting all four types
• Know your limits. Stop exercising if you feel pain, dizziness, or muscle cramps. These can be signs of a serious problem, so you should talk to your doctor if exercise causes any of these symptoms

Following these tips may help to make exercising safe, fun, and effective for you as you age.

Kathryn Vercillo