Health and fitness is important no matter what age you are. Everyone who is generally fit and doesn't have any health conditions limiting themselves, should try to fit in some form of physical activity EVERY day!
*It’s recommended that adults aged 65 or older do:
at least 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity such as cycling or fast walking every week, and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders and arms),
75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity such as running or a game of singles tennis every week, and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups,
Some activity, however light, is better for your health than none at all.
an equivalent mix of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity every week (for example two 30-minute runs plus 30 minutes of fast walking), and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups.
*Taken from www.healthdirect.gov.au
One of my favourite weekly group fitness sessions to run is 'Physical Activity for Older Adults' which takes place every Monday. I love seeing the enthusiasm and determination on my participants faces and also the social interaction that takes place throughout a session. This program promotes healthy ageing and my sessions include a mixture of strength, co-ordination, aerobic and balance exercises. Some of the benefits that staying active when ageing are:
Improved functional levels
Improved muscle strength
Increased energy
Bone density maintenance
Injury prevention
Reduced risk of depression
Better weight control
Increased enjoyment of life
One of the major benefits that my participants have found through my sessions are that they can now complete daily activities with greater range and ease eg. hanging out washing, picking up grandchildren, gardening...
Increased energy and strength teamed with a stronger knowledge of different exercises and their benefits, seems to have motivated my participants with many having asked for more exercises to complete in there spare time! I have put together some strength exercises for older adults that can be done in the comfort of your own home. Please share the following link with anyone you feel could benefit from these. Physical Activity Circuit for Older Adults
If you know of any older adults that could benefit from my 'Physical Activity for Older Adults' sessions (run in conjunction with the Murchison Neighbourhood House), they take place on a Monday 10-11am at the Senior Citizens Room, Murchison Community Centre. Please call if you would like further information 0438 041 538.
ALWAYS CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE COMMENCING ANY EXERCISE PROGRAM