Being sedentary at any age is not good for our health, but as we age, we are more prone to becoming sedentary.

The Benefit of Physical Activity

Everywhere you look, there is information on the benefits of physical activity. Here are a few:

* Better cardiovascular health – A healthy heart will serve you throughout your life. Increased oxygenation through exercise can help lower blood pressure, the heart rate and the results of stress in the body.

* Lose weight – Exercise can help with maintaining a healthy lifetime weight, which lowers the incidence of high cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.

* Increased muscle tone – As we age, we begin to lose muscle mass. Muscle burns more than fat and also helps us to maintain balance and a strong core.

Helping an Elderly Person to Stay Active

Here is some more information that can help you do this:

* Get involved – Many people don’t know what to do to get physically active. Just telling them to get moving isn’t going to solve that problem. If you care about this person, join them in some activity. Go for a walk at their pace. As they begin to feel comfortable, they may step up to other activities.

* Talk about the benefits – We have listed some above. This can motivate them to get involved at a senior center or even to go for a jaunt with you.

* Try low impact activities – Swimming is a fun activity that can be done all year round. There are water aerobics senior classes at YMCAs. If they are not interested in that, they could swim a few laps or just enjoy moving their body effortlessly in the water. Swimming works the entire body without putting pressure on the joints.

* Encourage them to adopt a companion animal – Pets are good for elderly people in more than one way. They offer companionship, and dogs are loyal and loving. They also need to be walked, which is one way to exercise their owner. Meeting up with other seniors who own pets can lead to group walks.

* Find active interests – Most people like to do more besides watching television. Gardening is considered a form of physical activity. An elderly person can do it kneeling if they have balance problems.

* Applaud progress – Everyone wants to hear praise for their efforts. With each walk that the elderly person in your life completes, tell them that you are proud of their success.

You are never beyond good health. In order to age well, physical activity is a must for everyone.