What kind of physical activity do you enjoy? I love movement that is not only good for my body, but makes me smile while I'm doing it. Pickleball and dancing fall into that category these days. Health experts say that engaging in regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. Physical activity is anything that gets your body moving. Because movement supports both physical and mental health, it can be especially important for preventing or delaying many health problems associated with aging. For people with disabilities, physical activity plays a vital role in maintaining health, well-being, and quality of life.1
How much is enough?
While any amount of physical activity that gets your heart beating faster can improve your health, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults aim for 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity physical activity, including muscle strengthening activity. While that initially sounds like a lot, it’s less than 30 minutes a day of walking, cycling, swimming, dancing, strength training, or whatever gets you moving. Keep in mind, you can also meet this goal by breaking it down into 10- or 15-minute blocks several times each day.
Getting started
If you’re looking for ways to get started or add more activity to your day, you won’t want to miss National Senior Health & Fitness Day® on May 29th. This is the nation’s largest annual health and wellness event emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity and ways local organizations are helping to improve the health of older adults in their communities.
Over the last 31 years, National Senior Health & Fitness Day has grown to include mini-health fairs, exercise demonstrations, health presentations, screenings, fitness walks, and workshops in communities across the country. To participate, look for local organizations hosting senior-related health and fitness events at retirement communities, fitness clubs, senior and community centers, public parks, hospitals, houses of worship, and other locations near you. Activities will vary based on the organizations hosting the events.
Visit FitnessDay.com to learn about other ways to get involved, or simply grab a few friends and get moving on your own. Whether you’re walking, dancing, swimming, doing yoga, or gardening—all movement counts!
1)”How Much Physical Activity Do Adults Need?” CDC.gov, 2 JUN 2022, https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.htm
This information was written by KRW Creative Concepts, a non-affiliate of the broker-dealer.