Keep Moving: Health Maintaining Exercise Routine for the Aging Body

As we grow older, our bodies naturally lose strength, flexibility and consequently our overall fitness levels dwindle. However, ageing is not a legitimate excuse for becoming a couch potato. On the contrary, regular, targeted physical activity is critically important to maintain a healthy body and mind well into our golden years. This article provides a health maintaining exercise routine tailored specifically for those over 50 and offers general health tips to keep an ageing body active and robust.

Exercise isn't ageist - it benefits everyone, irrespective of age. In fact, research has shown that regular physical activity not only improves overall fitness, but also significantly delays, even outright prevents, numerous health conditions commonly associated with advancing age. These include heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, and osteoporosis, to mention just a few.

When conducting fitness exercises for anyone over 50, strength exercises are of paramount importance. Our muscle mass naturally decreases as we age, leading to a slowed metabolism and increased fat accumulation. Strength training can reverse this trend, helping to retain and build muscle in older adults.

There are numerous strength exercises for the over 50s which can be tailored to suit individual requirements and circumstances. Simple bodyweight exercises such as squats, lunges and push-ups are great starting points. As strength and stamina improve, resistance bands and hand weights can be incorporated to steadily increase the challenge. Remember, the best way to build strength is with consistency and progressively increasing the intensity of the exercises.

It's equally important to incorporate aerobic exercises in the workout regimen. Riding a bike, brisk walking, swimming, or even dancing are excellent ways to raise the heart rate and improve cardiovascular health. Aerobic exercises also help to boost mood and energy levels.

Flexibility and balance exercises are a third key component for over 50s, helping to protect against slip-and-fall accidents which are so common in later years. Gentle yoga poses and simple balance exercises like standing on one foot or walking backward can do wonders to maintain agility.

In addition to the specific exercises, some general health tips for the over 50s are pertinent. Eating a balanced diet which is rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains provides the necessary nutrients required to fuel your body. Whilst maintaining a good level of hydration particularly when exercising is important. And of course, getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for healing and rejuvenating an ageing body.

Consult your physician before you begin a new fitness routine. Although this may seem like needless extra steps, this precaution ensures that your chosen exercises are appropriate for your current state of health. The aim of fitness after 50 isn’t about training for a triathlon or becoming a bodybuilder. Rather, it is to endure, to live a long, active, healthy, happy life. Keep moving - it’s the key to ageing gracefully, cheerfully and above all, healthily.