For the first time ever, older adults make up a greater share of Canada’s population than children. By 2031, about 23 per cent of Canadians could be seniors.
Older adults can maintain and enhance their well-being and independence through a lifestyle that embraces physical activity. Taking part in regular physical activity is key to improving wellness for older adults. It is one of the core ways to help improve and maintain independence and overall health and well-being.
Good Physical activity plays an important role in your health, well-being, and quality of life. These tips will help you improve and maintain your health by being physically active every day.
Find an activity you like such as swimming or cycling. Remember that minute’s count. Increase your activity level 10 minutes at a time. Every little bit helps.
Aerobic activity, like pushing a lawn mower, taking a dance class, or biking to the store, is continuous movement that makes you feel warm and breathe deeply.
Strengthening activity, like lifting weights or yoga, keeps muscles and bones strong and prevents bone loss. It will also improve your balance and posture.
What is moderate aerobic activity?
Moderate-intensity aerobic activity makes you breathe harder and your heartbeat faster. You should be able to talk, but not sing. An examples of moderate activity include walking quickly or bike riding.
What is vigorous aerobic activity?
Vigorous-intensity aerobic activity makes your heart rate increase quite a bit and you won’t be able to say more than a few words without needing to catch your breath. Examples of vigorous activity include jogging or cross-country skiing.
What are strengthening activities?
Muscle-strengthening activities build up your muscles. With bone-strengthening activities, your muscles push and pull against your bones. This helps make your bones stronger. Examples of activities include climbing stairs, digging in the garden, lifting weights, push-ups, and curl-ups.
If you’re not active now, adding any amount of physical activity can bring some health benefits. Take a step in the right direction. Start now and slowly increase your physical activity to meet the recommendations.
More physical activity provides greater health benefits! That means the more you do, the better you’ll feel. Get active and see what you can accomplish! Move more!
Is physical activity safe for everyone?
The recommended level of physical activity applies to all adults aged 65 years and older who do not have a suspected or diagnosed medical condition. Consult a health professional if you are unsure about the types and amounts of physical activity most appropriate for you.
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