Several leading health bodies, including the Australian Department of Health, recommend older adults complete at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all, days of the week. Over the course of the week, try to incorporate different types of activities such as cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and balance activities.
How many older adults do you know that meet these recommendations? It’s easy to come up with excuses not to exercise as we get older. Unfortunately many older adults think they are “too old” or “too frail” or they just think decline is inevitable anyway.
Unfortunately these people are missing out on the astounding benefits of regular exercise! Regular exercise helps to maintain function and help older adults live independently for longer. It also:
reduces the risk of depression,
reduces the chances of having a fall,
improves the health of muscles, joints and bones,
reduces the chances of heart disease, stroke, diabetes and certain cancers
Most often many older adults don’t know where to start when it comes to taking up regular exercise. They may be frightened of having a fall or have pre-existing conditions that make exercise hard. That’s where an exercise physiologist can help. Exercise physiologists take into account a person’s medical history when prescribing them with exercise. They take into account the fitness and abilities of the individual to provide them with safe and effective exercises that are suitable for them.