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As we grow older, we are less likely to engage in physical activity. How important is fitness for seniors? Research has conclusively demonstrated that physical activity is linked to elevated longevity. The amount of exercise needed depends on the person, but in general, people need to increase their exercise as they get older. Yet, elderly people frequently do the opposite.

It is never too late to start exercising. At any age, actually small improvements in physical fitness as well as activity (such as walking regularly) can prolong life as well as independent living. Yet, many people are still sedentary. If you are like lots of people, you know that exercise is good for you, however you cannot seem to get moving.

HOW TO BEGIN:

You must make a deliberate, planned effort to exercise. Pick an activity you enjoy or have enjoyed in the past, such as walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, or gardening, and make a commitment to doing the work regularly. Focus on making the experience as pleasant as possible. Request a friend to be your activity partner.

Start slowly, with less than five minutes of activity, as well as progress gradually. If you have been inactive, accept the fact that it may take you a while to be able to move constantly for 30 minutes. Recognize that you might feel some discomfort in the beginning.

Over time, you will get stronger and these early aches will diminish. If you choose to embark on vigorous exercise and you are over the age of 50, or even have risk factors for heart disease, check with your doctor before starting any workout program.

Senior fitness tips:

*The simplest way to start a physical fitness program is to start with stretching exercises (versatility exercises). Stretching movements promote healthy muscle growth and reduce the stiffness and loss of balance that accompanies aging.

*If you are hesitant to start an exercise program, consider others methods of being physically active. Walking, bicycling, swimming, aerobic water exercises, and gardening are extremely good exercise options.

*Water exercises are especially beneficial for the elderly and have been shown to have similar cardiovascular benefits for older people because "on the ground" aerobic exercises.

*For those who have brought a sedentary lifestyle for a long time, reduced impact aerobics, tai chi, or self-paced walking are very beneficial. Ease into it. Even for those confined to a nursing home, there are programs geared towards improving strength and flexibility.

*Most people think that strength training is unnecessary as well as unattainable after the age of 60. However, the opposite is true. As one age range, adding resistance training to a physical exercise program can reduce the process of muscular erosion. Strength training also improves heart and blood vessel health insurance and general well being.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISE:

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the main risk factors for coronary artery disease, together with smoking, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Exercise, however, improves heart health in people and can reverse some risk factors, including the results of smoking. People who exercise probably the most often have the lowest risk with regard to heart disease and stroke.

Exercise offers the following benefits:

*Reduces your risk of creating certain types of cancer such as prostate, colon, and breast.

*Reduces your own risk of: diabetes, obesity, hypertension, osteoarthritis and osteoporosis.

*Helps a person maintain a healthy weight by increasing your metabolism.

*Increases energy and endurance.

*Helps relieve stress, anxiousness, and depression.

*Contributes to better, more restful sleep.

Eating a healthy, nutritious diet and following a regular exercise program are the keys to living your best life. No matter what your age, it is NEVER too late to start shifting!