It is never too late to start exercising. However seniors are advised to start slow, and to work their way up. With an established exercise routine, you feel younger, healthier and much more active and better than in your younger days.
Have a medical check up done before starting an exercise program to find out which exercises your doctor recommends. The exercise program should start with moderate levels of activity like a 5-10 minute walk and then work up on it. The important point to remember is to start slow, and gradually increase your time once you find your body feeling comfortable with the tasks you do.
Aim for 30 minutes of exercise everyday with a combination of stretching, aerobics and weight training. This may prove to be difficult if you have not had any physical activity for some time as aging makes muscles and lung capacity deteriorate. Metabolism rate and flexibility too decreases with age while there is an increase of health problems like osteoporosis.
However physical activity can help reduce half the potential physical declines associated with aging as it slows aging while increasing stamina, energy and mental health. Exercise keeps ligaments from getting stiff with age while decreasing blood pressure and heart rate. There will also be improvements in self image, confidence and reduced stress.
Start exercising by increasing your flexibility as much as possible as tight muscles lead to injuries. Once your flexibility is improved, move to aerobic activities like walking and water aerobics. Swimming is a great way of getting aerobic exercise, without feeling any pain or stress on joints.