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Physical Activity is Essential to Healthy Aging

Posted on July 13, 2018 in Health and Wellness

As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your day-to-day activities without becoming dependent on others.

Helping our residents maintain a healthy lifestyle and ongoing personal fitness is very important to Ohio Living. Most of our communities feature wellness centers, work-out areas and planned fitness activities. Be sure to visit Ohio Living Breckenridge Village’s website for more information.

Not doing any physical activity can be bad for you, no matter your age or health condition. Keep in mind, some physical activity is better than none at all. Your health benefits will also increase with the more physical activity that you do.

If you're 65 years of age or older, are generally fit, and have no limiting health conditions you can follow these guidelines.

For Important Health Benefits

Older adults need at least:

Jogging: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) of moderate-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., brisk walking) every week

and

Weight-Training: Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

OR...

Running: 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes) of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity (i.e., jogging or running) every week

and

Weight-Training:

Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

OR...

Walking/Jogging: 


An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activityand

Weight Training: 

Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

 

For Even Greater Health Benefits

Older adults should increase their activity to:

 

Jogging: 5 hours (300 minutes) each week of moderate-intensity aerobic activity 

and

Weight-Training: Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

OR...

Jogging: 2 hours and 30 minutes (150 minutes) each week of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity

and

Weight-Training: Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

OR...

Walking or Jogging:

An equivalent mix of moderate- and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity

and

Weight-training:

Muscle-strengthening activities on 2 or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms).

 

For more information: * Aerobic activity: What counts (CDC) * Muscle-strengthening activities: What counts?

(This information was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)



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