Exercise and physical activity are good for just about everyone, including older adults. There are four main types of exercise, and each type does different things to improve your health and fitness. Doing them all will give you more benefits.
*Endurance, or aerobic, activities increase your breathing and heart rate. Brisk walking or jogging, dancing, swimming and biking are examples.
*Strength exercises make your muscles stronger. Lifting weights or using a resistance band can build strength.
*Balance exercises help prevent falls.
*Flexibility exercises stretch your muscles and can help your body stay limber.
Talk with your doctor about the best ways to get each of these types of exercise and about how to do the exercises safely. In as little as 20 minutes per day, you can be on your way to better endurance, flexibility, strength and balance.
—Source: National Institute on Aging
Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, May 2014
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