Longmont United Hospital

Fit at Any Age

IN SENIORS' HEALTH

Just because you’re not 25 anymore doesn’t mean you want to stop hitting the gym after a busy day. Exercise, like a healthy diet, is good for you no matter what your age. The benefits are boundless, but you still may want to consider making some adjustments to your usual routines. What is the best way to exercise as you age?

Never Too Late

Exercise is good for everyone. As long as your physician has cleared you for a workout routine, you should do it as often as you like. Even if you’ve never exercised before, you can still become healthier now.

In fact, a recent study cited by the American Council on Exercise profiled the fitness successes of 62 men and women between the ages of 50 and 83. What did the study find? After six months of resistance training, the study participants had increased bone density in the hip area.

At the close of the study, participants were generating more bone mass than they were losing.

A Solid Program

Now that you understand how keeping fit can improve your health, you may be wondering what constitutes a good fitness program. For seniors, the best program:

  • conditions tendons
  • strengthens muscles
  • stabilizes joints
  • increases flexibility

While you’re planning your routine, be sure to keep in mind that the best routines combine both aerobic and strength training. Try walking, swimming, and cycling to get your heart pumping, and move through gentle calisthenics before working your way up to more difficult strength-training exercises.

Your Changing Body

The human body is a miraculous invention, and it grows and changes with age. As you age, it’s important to be aware of how your body is changing so you can take the best care of your biggest asset—you.

Cardiovascular System

The aging heart has to work harder than its younger counterpart to do the same amount of work. Also, because muscle loses elasticity with age, you may develop high blood pressure.

Bones and Joints

Both men and women reach their maximum bone density between the ages of 25 and 35. As bones age, they become more susceptible to fractures and osteoporosis.

Taking Care of You

Of course, through a healthy diet and vigorous physical activity, you can counteract some of the effects of aging, leaving you with strong bones and a sturdy heart into retirement and beyond.

Sources: acefitness.org, health.msn.com © 2013. True North Custom Media. All Rights Reserved.