If you can increase your physical activity for a month and still keep going after that, you will have passed a critical landmark. It's a good sign that you are on your way to making exercise and physical activity regular, life-long habits. We want to give you credit for that. If you increase your physical activity for more than a month, send us the form at the end of this book. We will send you a National Institute on Aging certificate acknowledging your commitment.
Most people like to do for themselves.
For many older adults, just the idea of improving or maintaining their health and independence is enough motivation to exercise. Top of Page Chapter Summary Starting with one or two types of exercises or physical activities and a schedule that you really can manage, then adding more as you adjust, is one way of ensuring that you will keep exercising. You are also more likely to keep exercising if you feel you can do your exercises correctly and safely, feel that they fit into your schedule, and don't feel that they result in negative experiences, such as financial burdens or lost time. Just knowing that physical activity can improve your health and abilities can be enough to keep you exercising, but you might need extra motivation sometimes. Overall, your fitness should improve.