Your healthy body guide – why you should stay active

According to the ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription (10th edition), older adults are the least physically active of all age groups. Only 11% of adults 65 years and older meet the physical activity guidelines on engaging in cardiovascular and strength training exercises and less than 5% of 85+ year old individuals meet these same guidelines.

Physical inactivity increases the risk of chronic diseases and can result in early disability and loss of independence. Being physically active is a great way to prevent disease, increase your lifespan, lower your healthcare costs, improve the quality of your life and enhance your cognitive and mental wellbeing.

Regular exercise:

• Improves mobility and flexibility, stamina, balance, agility, walking speed, coordination and muscle strength. It also reduces the risk of falls.
• Regulates blood pressure, increases your metabolism and prevents excess weight gain.
• Decreases the risk of developing heart disease, osteoporosis, diabetes and some forms of cancer.

Age should not be a barrier to physical activity because positive improvements can be achieved at all ages! It is never too late to start bringing exercise into your life!

References

ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription, 10th edition.