Never Too Late for Better Fitness

It is never too late to start exercising and moving more. Physical activity may help you manage or even avoid health problems like arthritis, osteoporosis (bone loss), and coronary heart disease. Regular exercise may also help:

* Keep your body flexible.
* Keep your bones and muscles strong.
* Keep your heart and lungs healthy.
* Control high blood sugar, especially if you lose weight.
* Let you keep living in your own home without help.

Fitting in physical activity is not as hard as you may think. Try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity (like brisk walking) on most days of the week.

Also try to do strengthening activities two or three times a week. These activities are important because older adults—especially women—lose muscle and bone every year. Strengthening activities may help prevent or lessen bone loss.

You can get plenty of heart healthy exercise without spending a small fortune joining a health club. There are lots of ways to be physically active that are free or low-cost.
Here are a few easy and inexpensive ideas:

* Finding a local park or school track where you can walk.
* Walking around a mall.
* Being active with your grandchildren—take a walk, toss a softball, or ride bikes.
* Walking your dog or meeting up with a neighbor to walk together.
* Checking out a fitness video from the library and following along at home.
* Get some simple home fitness equipment and start your day off right - with exercise!