The term elderly is rather generic as people age at different rates. Individuals at the same age can differ dramatically both physiologically and with response to an exercise stimulus.
Although ageing is inevitable the decline in physiologic function may be amenable to reversing the process with activity and exercise.
Elderly people should be encouraged to accumulate at least 30 days of accumulated exercise nearly everyday of the week. This could be brisk walking, sweeping up leaves, gardening, and climbing stairs and other recreational pursuits.
Once the basic levels of activity are attained then additional benefits can be obtained by increasing the duration and intensity.
It is always important for the elderly to consult their doctor before undertaking any exercise program.
Type of exercises, intensity, duration, frequency
Walking is excellent in short bouts of 10 minutes is excellent.
Swimming and cycling are good for those with weight bearing problems.
The exercise should be convenient and enjoyable.
A group setting would provide support and social reinforcement.
Intensity should start low and increase without the onset on breathing heavily.
Exercise accumulation of 30 minutes a day on all day’s of the week
The term elderly is rather generic as people age at different rates. Individuals at the same age can differ dramatically both physiologically and with response to an exercise stimulus.