Exercise is put on the back burner for most seniors in Canada. In fact, only 40% of adults over the age of 65 achieve 150 minutes per week of exercise.
Exercise is timeless in that; at every age, it improves how you feel and move while keeping physical health markers in check. With that being said, there are a lot of excuses out there as to why aging adults don’t exercise. Don’t fall for any of the following ideas that say it is not beneficial to exercise.
Myth 1: I have too many aches and pains to exercise
Exercise can be variable. There are many different ways to exercise that will benefit you. For someone dealing with many aches and pains, low impact exercises such as biking, or swimming should be considered. Low impact exercises help you keep your body strong and mobile while also being gentle on the places you may be experiencing aches and pains. Start your exercise routine with light stretching and mobility for the joints then gradually increase the intensity as you see fit.
Myth 2: I can’t exercise because I have heart problems
Starting an exercise routine after a heart-related incident can seem scary. Once you get the approval from your doctor to exercise, it is actually the best thing you can do. The heart is a muscle that needs to be strengthened. So, talk to your primary care provider on how to begin exercise safely. Light aerobics like walking or cycling is a great way to strengthen not only the heart but the entire cardiovascular system.
Myth 3: It’s too late to start exercising now
It is never too late to start exercising. Science shows that at any age you are capable of building muscle, improving flexibility, enhancing balance and increasing bone density. In fact, it is recommended as an aging adult to start exercising at their age if they’ve never done so before.
Myth 4: Weight-lifting is dangerous for seniors
When done correctly, weight-training is a both safe and beneficial for seniors. Using equipment such as dumbbells, resistance bands and doing body-weight exercises can increase bone density and prevent osteoporosis. Furthermore, weight lifting can reduce risk of falling.
Don’t let myths hold you back from a healthier, more active lifestyle. When it comes to any exercise plan it is important to start small and seek guidance. Speak to a LivingWell Coach today to gain valuable information on how to start or improve your exercise routine.
Written By: Shaquelle Thomas, Registered Kinesiologist and LivingWell Coordinator at Delmanor West Village
