over 50's
As you get older there is a natural loss of physical fitness, muscular strength and flexibility - and while you can't turn back the clock, regular exercise certainly helps hold back the ageing process.
Most of the health problems facing over 50s stem from a lack of physical fitness. While it is certainly better to be fit in the first place, it is never too late to take up exercise:
Cardiovascular workouts such as jogging, cycling and swimming are good for increasing overall fitness, losing weight, lowering blood pressure and cholesterol and particularly for improving heart and lung performance. Exercise also helps boost the immune system, gives you more energy, and helps you to resist arthritis, back pain, hypertension, diabetes and a host of other ailments.
Regular weight training will help maintain and improve muscle strength – a 70 year old who has been lifting weights for 20 years has at least as much muscular strength as an inactive 20 year old. Weight training not only maintains but also increases bone density - resisting the effects of osteoporosis.
Post-exercise stretching routines are crucial to maintaining flexibility at any age, as flexibility is one of the most important factors in avoiding injury. If your joints cannot move freely, you are more prone to sustaining a sprain or break. Flexibility is partially hereditary (many families have a history of dodgy knees, for example), but everyone can improve their level of flexibility by serious stretching - something that is often overlooked in favour of more obviously ‘physical’ training.
It's never too late to start exercising - programmes can be tailor-made to to suit any age and ability
