The term ‘Older Adult’ is very subjective. Generally an Older Adult is categorized as someone who is 65 and older, due to differences in physical activity requirements. However age is just a number! There are many older adults who are more active then people half their age! Age should not be a barrier when it comes to physical activity - whether you are 7 or 77, activity is important and beneficial to health.
How often do older adults need to be active and what does this mean?
What are the benefits of physical activity for older adults?
What are barriers that prevent older adults from being physically active?
Tools, activity ideas, programs & events for older adults
How often do older adults need to be active?
It is recommended that older adults are physically active for at least 30 minutes on a regular basis. All the activity you do throughout the day can be added together to equal 30 minutes.
What does this mean?
It is important to keep in mind that accumulation is key when beginning to include physical activity in your lifestyle. This means that walking to the grocery store, vacuuming the house and chasing after grandchildren all count as physical activity! Remember that 30 minutes is the minimum amount of time you should spend being active - so the more activity you can incorporate into your day the better!
Choosing a more active lifestyle even by those who are in their nineties brings gains in cardio, flexibility, strength & balance levels. You can never be too old to participate in physical activity. If you need some ideas to get you going check out the tips section for new and local ideas.
What are the benefits of physical activity for older adults?
- Body weight control
- Stronger bones and muscles
- Reduced risk of developing Osteoporosis
- Improved flexibility
- Improved posture and balance
- Fewer aches and pains
- Decreased risk of falling, and fall related injuries
- Maintenance of joint mobility
- Continued independent living
- Independent living requires that one be able to bend, lift, reach and move around with relative ease.
- Increased energy levels
- Reduced feelings of tiredness
- Better sleeps
- Increased quality of life
- A chance to meet new people and make new friends
- Opportunity to leave the house
- Bring more fun to your life
- Increased ability to relax and reduce stress levels
What are barriers that prevent older adults from being physically active?
You may be concerned about adding more physical activity to your lifestyle for a number of reasons. Listed below are reasons preventing older adults from getting active. Click on the links below to identify ways that you can overcome obstacles to physical activity.
The Public Health Agency of Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults
Activity Ideas
For activity ideas specific to Older Adults click here!
Programs & Events
Living Well with a Chronic Condition
Links for older adults