Bottom Line:

Staying healthy as you age isn't just about adding more years to your life. It's also about adding more life to your years! Participating in daily physical activity and exercise can help ensure that you maintain a high quality of life as you get older, as well as help you reduce aches and improve your mental attitude.

Why it Matters:

Time marches on but getting older doesn't mean that you’ll have to live an inactive life. Weakness and poor balance are the result of inactivity, not age. There are plenty of activities that you can take part in to avoid slowing down as you age.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few of our favorites:

• Lighting Weights: Don't worry, you don't have to throw up hundreds of pounds on the bench press to benefit from lifting weights. Studies have shown that even light to moderate weight can increase bone density and help you maintain a healthy body weight. Researchers have also discovered that weight training has the potential to help get rid of nagging pain you may have in your shoulders, lower back, and knees.

• Light Cardio: Sprints and 5-mile runs aren't necessary to improve your cardiovascular health. You don't even have to jog. There are plenty of ways to get a solid cardiovascular workout without hurting your joints or wearing you out for the next three days. Popular options include cycling, swimming, and daily walking.

• Yoga: Even people who are in the prime of their lives will find that yoga requires a unique combination of flexibility, strength, and balance. By balancing strength and flexibility, yoga remains one of the best ways to keep your body limber.

Next Steps:

Pain is not a byproduct of aging. If you are not as active as you would like to be, let us know. Our team is dedicated to helping you find ways to enjoy doing the things you love with the people you love for years to come.

Science Source(s):

Physical Exercise as Therapy for Frailty. Nestle Nutrition Institute Workshop Series. 2015.