Exercise for Seniors / Golden Oldies

Changes associated with ageing:
 

• A decrease in strength, cardiovascular capacity, metabolic rate, flexibility and reaction time.
   
• Higher risk of osteoporosis, especially in menopausal women.
   
• Connective tissue shortens, resulting in less stability and mobility.
   
• Leg speed, length of stride is reduced.
   
• Sense of touch and pain sensitivity may be impaired and make us unaware when we exert too much pressure on a vulnerable joint.

It's possible to prevent perhaps as much as 50 % of functional decline by participating in regular exercise.

There are many benefits from physical activity, both physical and psychological.

Benefits associated with regular physical activity:
 

• Slowing the ageing process to help you look and feel better.
   
• Increase both your stamina and energy levels.
   
• Increases the efficiency of your heart and lungs thus protecting against coronary heart disease.
   
• Improved muscle tone, endurance and strength.
   
• Prevents joints, tendons, and ligaments stiffing up, promoting a greater range of movement.
   
• Strengthen your bones to fight against osteoporosis especially for women.
   
• Improves your sense of balance and agility, reducing the risks of injuries associated from falls or slips, (especially in cold weather).
   
• Decreases your blood pressure both systolic and diastolic and also resting heart rate.

Psychological benefits of physical activity include:

• Improved self-image, and confidence.
   
• Decreased stress and tension levels with the release of bodily hormones.
   
• An overall sense of well being and achievement.

The following pages will give further advice for taking your first steps into a healthier fitter you.