Everyone’s heard myths about exercise and just one out of four people between the ages of 65 and 74 exercises regularly. That needs to change! Many people assume that they’re too out-of-shape, or sick, or tired, or just plain old to exercise. They’re wrong!
Exercise can help make you stronger, prevent bone loss, improve balance and coordination, lift your mood, boost your memory, and ease the symptoms of many chronic conditions.
Here are some common myths that stop older people from exercising — along with some expert advice to get you started working out.
Exercise Myth: Trying to exercise and get healthy is pointless — decline in old age is inevitable.
There’s a powerful myth that getting older means getting decrepit. It’s not true. Some people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s are out there running marathons and becoming body-builders. A lot of the symptoms that we associate with old age, such as weakness and loss of balance — are actually symptoms of inactivity, not age.
Exercise improves more than your physical health. It can also boost memory and help prevent dementia. Also, it can help you maintain your independence and your way of life. If you stay strong and agile as you age, you’ll be more able to keep doing the things you enjoy and less likely to need help.
Exercise Myth: Exercise isn’t safe for someone my age — I don’t want to fall and break a hip.
In fact, studies show that exercise can reduce your chances of a fall. Exercise builds strength, balance, and agility. Exercises like strength training and mobility may be especially helpful in improving balance. Worried about osteoporosis and weak bones? One of the best ways to strengthen them is with regular exercise.
Exercise Myth: Since I’m older, I need to check with my doctor before I exercise.
If you have a medical condition or any unexplained symptoms or you haven’t had a physical in a long time, check with your doctor before you start exercising. Otherwise, go ahead. People don’t need to check with a doctor before they exercise just because they’re older. Just go slowly and don’t overdo it.
Exercise Myth: I’m sick, so I shouldn’t exercise.
On the contrary, if you have a chronic health problem such as arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease, exercise is almost certainly a good idea. Check with a doctor first, but exercise will probably help.
Exercise is like the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow! For many people, exercise can do as much if not more good than the 5 to 10 medications they take every day.
Exercise Myth: I’m afraid I might have a heart attack.
We’ve all heard about people who had heart attacks while exercising. It can happen. However, the many health benefits of exercise far exceed the small risk. Being a couch potato is actually more dangerous than being physically active. That’s true for the risk of heart disease and many other conditions.
Exercise Myth: I never really exercised before — it’s too late to make a difference in my health.
It may seem too late to atone for a lifetime of not exercising. That’s absolutely not true! Studies have found that even in people in their nineties living in nursing homes, starting an exercise routine can boost muscle strength. Other research shows that starting exercise late in life can still cut the risk of health problems, such as diabetes and improve symptoms. It really is never too late to start exercising and reaping the benefits.
Exercise Myth: Exercise will hurt my joints.
If you’re in chronic from arthritis, exercising may seem too painful. Here’s a counter intuitive fact: studies show that exercising helps with arthritis pain. One study of people over age 60 with knee arthritis found that those who exercised more had less pain and better joint function.
Exercise Myth: I don’t have time.
This is a myth that’s common in all age groups. Experts recommend a minimum of 150 minutes of aerobic exercise a week. That might sound like a lot. Actually, it’s only a little over 20 minutes a day. What’s more, you don’t have to do it all in one chunk. You can split it up. For instance, take a 10-minute walk in the morning and pedal on a stationary bike for 15 minutes in the evening, you’re done!