By Michele Silence, MA

Over 50?  Over 60?  Even if you're over 70 years old, it doesn't matter.  You can start exercising now and get a number of wonderful benefits.

It's never too late to start exercise

Some have the notion that the older you are, the less you should move.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Even those with chronic issues like back pain, arthritis, and knee problems can reduce pain by moving around more than by sitting still.  Keep moving even if you're not excited about it-it's the fountain of youth! 

Listen to your body and how it reacts to exercise

Pay attention to how your body is reacting to exercise.  Never talk yourself into exercising when you know you are really not into it.  If you have a number of aches and pains that are not alleviated when you move around gently, don't push yourself.  If you need to take it easy one day, you can always make it up the next time you are feeling strong. 

Daily activity/exercise is best

Get some form of activity each day.  Even if the form changes, do something active each day.  Walk around the block.  Take the dog for a stroll.  Go to the park with a child.  Start slowly and gradually doing more.  When working with weights, do not be afraid of them.  Start with just a few pounds.  When the same amount of weight becomes easier to handle, you are ready to add another pound or two.  Strength training is one of the best things you can do to change the shape of your body and give you the strength needed to stay independent for years to come.

Benefits of exercise for seniors

Aerobic exercise like walking will help you breathe easier when doing simple day-to-day tasks.  It will greatly reduce your chance of having a heart attack or stroke, which kill more people than all the cancers combined.  You will find yourself having more endurance when walking around the mall or when doing housework. Your mood will change for the better. You will also gain strength.  This increased muscle will help you stand taller and stronger. You will feel younger than your years and more vibrant than ever.

No matter what age you happen to be, you can exercise and improve your health.  It really is never too late to start.  You can have more energy, feel better emotionally, look stronger and younger, and improve all your vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and cholesterol levels.  It can be yours starting today.  And, the best part of all, it's free.

For more information on the benefits of exercise for delaying/avoiding the signs of aging see the following article from TheDietChannel: Signs of Ageing You Can Avoid by Exercising Regularly. 

For further information on exercise for arthritis suffers see the following article from TheDietChannel: Health and Fitness for Arthritis Sufferers.