According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do to improve their health. Scientific evidence shows that adults with a chronic disease or a disability can benefit from regular physical activity, and benefits can start accumulating with small amounts of exercise. Learn more about the benefits of physical activity and ways you can make it a part of your regular routine.
Seniors Excercising
No matter your age, staying active is key to aging well—and there’s scientific evidence to prove it. When adults exercise regularly, benefits include improved cardiovascular and muscle fitness, improved brain health, and better ability to do tasks of daily life.
According to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) recent Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (2019): 1) Half of all American adults—117 million people—have one or more preventable chronic diseases, 2) Seven of the 10 of the most common chronic diseases are favorably influenced by regular physical activity, 3) Adults are not meeting the key guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity (nearly 80%), and only about half meet the key guidelines for aerobic physical activity, 4) The lack of physical activity is linked to approximately $117 billion in annual health care costs and about 10 percent of premature mortality, and 5) The HHS guidelines recommend that adults move more and sit less throughout the day by engaging in a combination of aerobic activities, as well as balance training and muscle strengthening.
HHS also recommends that adults with chronic conditions or disabilities should exercise with moderate-intensity for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes a week, or for 1 hour and 15 minutes with vigorouse intensity.
But it’s cold and exercising during the winter months can be challenging, especially as temperatures drop, roads and sidewalks are slippery, and storms prevent outdoor activities. To help you stay engaged (and motivated), here are 6 ways to keep active.
1. Explore arthritis-friendly exercise videos. Check out these short videos with exercises on YouTube focused on reducing joint pain through stretching and building strength. There are options for working out your upper and lower body, as well as trying out Tai Chi, all in your own home.
2. Find an exercise class near you. It can be hard to stay motivated while exercising alone. Find an evidence-based exercise class that can offer different options for activities and provide an opportunity to meet up with friends.
3. Go mall walking. This mall walking provides ideas for walking solo or with a group at a local mall. Moving your regular walks inside for the winter provides a warm, safe, and well-lit environment to keep active.
4. Take steps to prevent falls. If you do walk outside, take precautions to avoid slips and trips on icy sidewalks. Check out how you can winterize to prevent falls.
5. Get a workout to go. Go4Life’s Workout to Go guide has several options for exercising in your own home, including hand grips, wall pushups, and arm raises.
6. Find an indoor community pool or track. Many local Parks and Recreation Centers and YMCAs offer physical activity options, such as swimming, walking on indoor tracks, and group exercise for older adults.
No matter what exercise you choose to do to stay active this winter, it’s advised that you consult a health care professional or physical activity specialist about the types and amounts of activity appropriate for your abilities and chronic conditions. Article courtesy of National Council on Aging