Exercise as we age

As we get older, there are a few things that are common knowledge. We tend to slow down, recover slower and feel like we can’t do as much as when we were younger. Although true in some facets, the same cannot be said for the benefits of exercise throughout each stage of life.

Exercise tends to be a buzzword for some people as we get older who believe it must involve vigorous-intensity activity causing you to sweat, feel uncomfortable and have sore muscles for days.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives for exercise dependent on age, fitness level, and confidence levels. The National Physical Activity Guidelines recommend that those over the age of 65 should engage in “30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days”.

If 30 minutes is an excessive starting point, you can get the same benefit by doing three 10-minute bouts of exercise during the day to equal 30 total minutes. Suggested exercise from the Department of Health includes brisk walking, yard or garden work, gentle tennis, swimming etc. You can even do exercise while watching TV, such as walking on a treadmill or doing chair exercises. In other words, you don’t have to complicate it!

Basic resistance/strength training has fast become an integral part of maintaining health as we age. It has been shown to help with, not only building strength, but also bone health which can help drastically minimise the risk of fractures i.e., injuries from falls. As well as this, resistance training and basic gentle exercise helps reduces the risk of many diseases, including some cancers, and helps maintain a healthy weight.

If you feel that you’re wanting to get into exercise but don’t know where to start, contact Hoppers Physio or call the clinic on (03) 9749 5110 to book an appointment with one of our friendly and experienced Physiotherapists who will help form an exercise program catered to your needs and goals.