Whether you're 40 or 60 years old, you can exercise and improve your health. Physical activity is good for your heart, mood, and confidence. Exercising has even helped 80 and 90 year old people living in nursing homes to grow stronger and more independent. Older people who become more active, including those with medical problems, may feel better and have more energy than ever before. In fact, many elder care professionals believe that an active lifestyle can forestall or prevent the mind from becoming too relaxed as we age.
Exercise does have risks.
Since older people, as a group, have more health problems than younger people, older people should always consult their physian prior to changing or beginning an exercise regimen. Many factors need to be considered such as medications being taken, heart condition, lung condition, blood pressure, bone strength and numerous other factors. Staying physically active is key to good health well into later years. Yet only about I in 4 older adults exercises regularly. Many older people think they are too old or too frail to exercise.