“We do not stop exercising because we grow old – we grow old because we stop exercising.”

There are many reasons why we tend to slow down and become more inactive with age.  It may be due to health problems, weight or pain issues, or worries about falling.  Or perhaps you think that exercising simply isn’t for you.  But as you grow older, an active lifestyle becomes more important than ever to your health.

Physical activity is the number one contributor to a long life, adding years to your life, even if you don’t start exercising until your senior years.  But getting active is not just about adding years to your life, it’s about adding life to your years.

Getting moving can help boost your energy, maintain your independence, protect your heart, and manage symptoms of illness or pain, as well as your weight.  Regular exercise is also good for your mind, mood, and memory.  Starting or maintaining a regular exercise routine can be a challenge at any age and it doesn’t get any easier as you get older.  If you’ve never exercised before, you may not know where to begin, or perhaps you think you’re too old and can never live up to the standards you set when you were younger.  While it may seem like a good reason to slow down and take it easy, it’s even a better reason to get moving.  Exercising doesn’t have to involve strenuous workouts or trips to the gym.  You can gain the benefits from adding more movement and activity to your life, even in small ways.  No matter your age or physical condition, it’s never too late to get your body moving to improve how you age.  Just make sure and check with your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough for exercise and with any questions you might have.

To get you started here is a link for 14 exercises you can do in the comfort of your own home and all you need is a chair.  https://www.lifeline.ca/en/resources/14-exercises-for-seniors-to-improve-strength-and-balance/