I've been inactive. Why should I start now that I'm older?
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You can benefit from physical activity at any age. Your body is meant to move, and bodies that don't move much decline very quickly. To maintain your strength and health, take part in a variety of physical activities every day. It's never too late to start being active. You'll benefit from activity almost from the moment you start.
What are the benefits of being active?
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults explains the benefits of regular physical activity. These benefits generally increase as you become more active. Regular physical activity will improve your:
- balance and coordination
- attention span and short-term memory
- heart function
- circulation in your legs and arms
- blood pressure
- bone strength
- muscle size and strength
- flexibility
- lung function
- energy level
- sleep quality.
Physical activity helps to prevent chronic diseases that often develop as we age, such as osteoporosis, arthritis, diabetes and heart disease. Physical activity may also help you to manage the symptoms or slow down the progression of these diseases.
In addition, being active can keep you flexible, strong and energetic enough to keep doing things for yourself. Being active with friends and family can also help prevent or lessen feelings of loneliness.
An active lifestyle can slow down the aging process and help you to maintain your independence longer.
What are the barriers to being active?
Many factors can affect health and the ability to be active. These factors can include education, environment, income, social support and gender. Here are some examples of barriers and ways to overcome them:
- You don't have the money to take a taxi to the seniors’ centre: find out if others could drive you or if the senior centre provides transportation.
- You don’t feel like exercising alone: ask a neighbour or a friend to go with you.
- Sidewalks are icy or there are no sidewalks: use a hiking pole, walking stick or shoe grips to help you to walk safely.
Take a moment to consider what stops you from being active. Do you see barriers to being physically active? Can you overcome these barriers with help from other people?
How can I be active?
It's never too late to start getting active. Many people choose to do an activity with friends or a group. Group activities allow you to meet new people and socialize. It's also very important to do something that you enjoy. If you enjoy curling, check out your local seniors' centre for some floor curling or your local rink for times and leagues. If you enjoy walking, find some scenic and safe trails for a brisk walk.
The Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines for Older Adults is an excellent tool to help you become active. Find out how others got started, and get some tips to start you moving.
If you've not been active and want to begin regular activity, here are a few things to consider:
- Dress for the weather. Wear layers of clothing that you can remove when you warm up. Wear proper footwear.
- Bring someone with you or tell someone where you are going.
- Plan ahead. Good planning can help you enjoy an activity and make you want to do it again.
- Start slowly and gradually increase both the amount of time you spend on the activity and your effort.
- Before making a big increase in your activity level (e.g., starting an exercise class if you have never been active before), get advice from your doctor or other health-care professional about ways to exercise safely.
For more information on how to get started, please read the FAQ, "I'm not exercising right now, but I am thinking about being active. How can I get ready to start being active?"
Where can I go to be active?
Whether you live in the city or in the country, many organizations can help you choose activities to suit your needs.
Here are some great places to start looking for information:
- seniors' centres
- hospitals
- community leagues
- public health centres
- parks and recreation departments
- fitness centres
- libraries
- schools, colleges or universities.
These groups may not all offer programs, but they can give you some tips on getting started in a program or group activity.
