Physical Activity Improves Health at Any Age

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Everyone needs to be physically active. Why?

  • It keeps your bones and muscles strong and healthy
  • It improves your balance
  • It helps you move easier
  • It keeps your heart and lungs healthy
  • It increases your energy
  • It helps you sleep
  • It improves your confidence when walking

At any age, your body can get stronger with activity. It is never too late to start.

  • Do at least 150 minutes of activity every week if you are over 18 years old. These activities should make you sweat a little and breathe a little harder. You can break this into 10-minute periods. If you are just getting active start slowly, and add a few minutes each day.
  • Being active will help you with your daily living tasks like getting up from a chair or into a car. Activities should strengthen both your arm and leg muscles. Arm strength is needed just as much as leg strength for daily tasks.
  • If it is hard to get started, find a buddy to encourage you, make a plan or try something new to keep it interesting.

Always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new physical activity. Examples of physical activity include:

  • Strength and balance activities such as Tai chi, stair climbing, exercising with weights or exercise bands, and doing wall pushups
  • Endurance (heart) activities such as walking, dancing, gardening, and swimming
  • Flexibility activities such as Tai chi, yoga and stretching.