Okay, tell me...what
are you so excited about?

Teresita is telling me about a group of older
people like us who get together three times
a week to be more active. They have a lot of fun!

Older people? Who are you calling old?

Oh Pepe, you don't
take anything seriously.

We have a good time and you
should see how much my life
has changed for the better.

We exercise.



But with whom? It is very dangerous
for you to be walking alone...

Look, if you love
me so much, you
should do what
Rosa did.

She listened and understood
that exercise is important
for people of all ages.



Good evening, Teresita. To what
do we owe this nice surprise?

This book explains that exercise
is very good for our health.

I was telling them to
come with me to exercise.

Tell me about it, Teresita... -_

Well, our group gets together three times a week. We walk in the park.
Sometimes we exercise at the community center, or we go to the pool and swim.

Oh, Rosita, you talk just like my
daughter. She is furious because
now I am a more independent woman.

Oh no! I would die of worry that you could
fall or that something would happen to you.



But let me tell you. At our age,
it is important to be active.

Comadre, since when are you a

doctor? How do you know all this?
We use this guide in our group. Look,

everything is very well explained.

Well, this does look interesting.
How can I get a copy?

(4 <sl a!
You can read the information on
the web or you can order a free
copy and have it mailed to you.

www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life


Well, this information is very good. ‘This
afternoon, I will show you the site and
how to order the guide on your computer.

Thank you, Teresita.
You can count us into
your group of athletes.
Ha ha ha.

Thank you, Dear. Maybe it Oh don’t start with that now.
will do me some good.

Okay, for today, I won't say anything else.
But diet is just as important as exercise.



It's Never Too. Late



10

It’s never too late to start!

For everyday fitness ideas, order your own copy of
Exercise and Physical Activity: Your Everyday
Guide from the National Institute on Aging.

You can walk, ride a bike, dance, work in your garden, play
with your grandchildren, or do many other fun activities.

There are 3 easy ways to get your free copy:
1. Order it online: www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life
2. Call toll free 800-222-2225
3. Ask for it by mail:

NIA Information Center

P.O. Box 8057

Gaithersburg, MD 20898-8057

The most important thing is
for you to be active every day!

Go4Life


Good morning, Comadre. Do you like my
new shoes? They were a gift from Rosa.

Oh and read the exercise and physical
|| activity guide I gave you over a month ago!

Good for you, Rosita. Are you

| It's not just older people who
going to come on our walk?

should exercise and watch
their diet, you know.

Well, of course. I looked at the
website and I am convinced
that I need to exercise too!

Thope one day Carmen
understands me.

I was afraid that something would happen to my
mom if she became more active. I wanted to protect
her but I limited her instead. Now I understand how
important it is for her to be more physically active.

Okay, partners,
let’s go for a walk!

For more information, visit www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life.

Physical activity is very important for people of all a



Oh, Teresita, it’s not You young people should know that we older people can live our lives well. We
that. We worry about can be useful and have energy. Instead of criticizing, you should support us.

you. We don’t want
anything to happen
to you.

4 “i : Ss f
In that respect, Teresita is right. You don't even want us
to go to the corner by ourselves. We're not dead yet!

Don't even joke about that!
Okay, Dad, let me see the book...

Would you show me
how to order it online?

Regular exercise and physical activity are important to the physical and mental
health of almost everyone, including older adults. Being physically active can
help you continue to do the things you enjoy and stay independent as you age.



Well, I’ve had some health

Tell bout
sage raat aes problems recently...

life. H - Imagine, Comadre! Now we have
ife. How are you?

to diet and live life more calmly.

Ihave high blood
pressure and Pepe's
blood sugar is high.

No, not that. Iam not

And with more exercise! } iM any state to exercise.
And Pepe, even less so.

But exercise is life. It gives you energy
and lifts your spirits. It helps you deal Lucy, tomorrow I'm coming for a visit.
with your health problems. Ill tell you all about our exercise group.

LI What are you talking about Let's see if it interests you.
lifting our spirits, Comadre? 3
We are very discouraged.

Fine, but I don’t think
Pepe is going to like it.



Hello, Teresita,

She is so busy now
that I hardly see her.

I don't know what you're
doing, but you look divine.
Like you're fifteen years old.

Now, dear. Don’t [J As you can see,
exaggerate. Pepe doesn’t change.



GoA4Life

The Importance of Exercise

Regular exercise and physical activity are important to the
physical and mental health of almost everyone, including older
adults. Being physically active can help you continue to do the
things you enjoy and stay independent as you age. Regular
physical activity over long periods of time can produce
long-term health benefits. That's why health experts say that
older adults should be active every day to maintain their health.

This fotonovela is part of Go4Life, a national campaign from
the National Institute on Aging at NIH to help you fit exercise
and physical activity into your daily life. To find out more
about how Go4Life can help you be more active, visit our
website at www.nia.nih.gov/Go4Life.

o¢ + *
NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON AGING
NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH

smc

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‘A
i

hy,

September 2010