www.phs.org/Medicare 5 Keep moving for better health Regular exercise helps keep everyone healthy. This is especially true for older adults. Exercise can help delay or prevent some of the health problems that come with aging. Even moderate physical activity offers big benefits. These include: • Improving heart and lung health • Having better balance • Helping maintain a healthy weight • Reducing stress • Keeping your mind sharp The goal is to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise, like walking, five days a week. Remember that anything that increases your heart rate or uses your muscles is good. Here are some tips on staying active: Start out small. Starting a new exercise routine? Set small goals that help you build up to a bigger workout. For instance: Add a few steps every day to your walk. Swim an extra few laps. It all adds up. Make it fun. The gym isn’t the only way to get moving. Find something you enjoy and turn it into a workout. A yoga or dance class can offer great aerobic exercise. Make it part of your daily life. Try to set aside some time every day for exercise. Whether this is a half hour every morning or three 10-minute workouts during the day, every step counts. Be more active during the day. Try not to sit all day. Instead, find a gentle activity to keep you moving. This could be walking the dog. Or you might do some light housework or gardening. Make it social. Exercise can also be social. If the weather isn’t great, try meeting friends to take a walk inside a mall or store. If you are considering a class, ask a friend to go with you. Medicare members can benefit from the SilverSneakers program. This is a great program to help keep you active. To learn more, please visit tools.SilverSneakers.com. Sources: American Geriatrics Society; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; National Institute on Aging
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