Exercise for Seniors

There is a fountain of youth. Millions have discovered it - the secret to feeling better and living longer. It's called staying active. Finding a program that works for you and sticking with it can pay big dividends. Regular exercise can prevent or delay diabetes and heart trouble. It can also reduce arthritis pain, anxiety and depression. It can help older people stay independent.

There are four main types of exercise and seniors need some of each:

• Endurance activities - like walking, swimming, or riding a bike - which build "staying power" and improve the health of the heart and circulatory system
• Strengthening exercises which build muscle tissue and reduce age-related muscle loss
• Stretching exercises to keep the body limber and flexible
• Balance exercises to reduce the chances of a fall

National Institute on Aging

External Resources

Sit and Be Fit - An exercise program for seniors and people with chronic medical conditions.

Doctor's Senior Exercise - A senior health and fitness site, with informative and motivational articles, concerning diseases and conditions that affect seniors. The need for exercise is stressed and features a video for seniors.

Lexington Athletic Club - Fitness, group exercise, aquatics, seniors programs. Lexington.

It Figures for Her and Pace for Men - Workout and exercise, seniors and corporate discounts, child care, parking. Forest Lake.

American Senior Fitness Association - Provides senior specific fitness training, certification and resources for exercise professionals who serve older adults as well as fitness information and tips for mature exercisers.

Senior-Fitness.com - Offers information on stretching and exercises to maintain balance and prevent falls among seniors.

National Institute on Aging Page: Don't Take It Easy Exercise - An authoritative site from the National Institute on Aging describing the benefits and guidelines for exercise for seniors.

Cardiology Magazine - Features online references and links to hospitals, publications, cardio-kids and teens, exercise tips for seniors and current news.

Senior Switch - Guide to sites including bus tours, cruises, discounts, exercise, grandparents, group tours, health, jobs, magazines, resources, senior sites and senior travel.

Realistic Training Through Paintball - U.S., Turkish Forces Prepare Together - Senior Airman Kenya Shiloh describes a joint training exercise involving the United States Air Force's 39th Security Forces Squadron and a Turkish Air Force unit.

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