Our bodies naturally lose muscle mass as we age. As a result, we may feel stiffer, weaker and move slower. However, while the aging process is a fact of life, losing strength and mobility doesn't have to be. Your life isn't over just because you're getting older. What's more important is maintaining what strength and mobility you have now, so you can age well.
Staying active is one of the most powerful ways to stay independent and feel good as the years pass. The right combination of movement, rest and nutrition can help you stay strong, flexible and ready for whatever life throws your way. This can mean having the ability to keep up with your grandkids or having enough energy to get through your day.
Exercise plays a huge role in how you feel and function over time. That's why we spoke with fitness experts to highlight the top exercises that support strength, balance and energy as you age, so you can keep doing the things you love, your way.
Is exercise safe for older adults?
A common misconception among the aging population is that exercise is unsafe and should be avoided. This is untrue and works against older adults' desire to achieve and maintain optimal health. Fitness is key to healthy aging, even for brain fitness.
An unfortunate fact is that aging increases the risk of many diseases, according to the World Health Organization. Regular physical activity helps to reduce the risk of the same conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, cancer and dementia.
Physical activity is safe for older adults when done correctly and is necessary for a healthy life. The benefits of exercise among the aging population are strongly supported by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical therapists and personal trainers around the world.
Kevin Robinson, a physical therapist and professor of orthopedics and kinesiology, shared some general guidelines for safe exercising for older adults:
Focus on minimal-impact activities, like water exercise, recumbent stationary bikes and ellipticals.
Join SilverSneakers programs, which are often offered at local health clubs. These are usually covered by insurance and are designed specifically for older adults. One benefit of these programs is that you can also make friends, which will help you attend consistently.
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