Safe Exercise for Seniors: What to Do and What to Avoid

Elderly Fitness: Exercises to Include and Exclude Staying active is crucial for maintaining health in old age. However, some exercises pose a greater risk of injury than others. This is especially true for older adults, whose bones may be more fragile. Recent advice from fitness experts emphasizes the importance of choosing exercises appropriate for one's physical capabilities. "The ability to hold a conversation while exercising is a good indicator of moderate intensity," explains one fitness professional. This means that if you're too breathless to speak, you're likely exercising at too high an intensity. Conversely, high-impact activities like jumping and plyometrics should be avoided as they place significant stress on the bones and joints, increasing the risk of fractures. These types of injuries can have serious consequences for older adults. Instead, focus on activities like walking at a moderate pace, strength training with lighter weights, and gentle stretching exercises. These activities can help maintain strength, flexibility, and balance, which are important for preventing falls and maintaining independence in old age.