Physical Activity

► Activity Overview
► Benefits
► Create Your Own Activity Calendar
► Four Types of Physical Activity
► How communities can get involved
► How to make physical activity a habit
► How to set activity goals
► Overcoming the barriers
► Physical activity programs in your area
► Talk Test

Enjoy the benefits of physical activity

No one is too old to enjoy the benefits of regular physical activity.  In fact, older adults have more to gain than younger people because older adults are at higher risk for the health problems that being active can prevent or treat. 

One of the major benefits of physical activity is that it can help you to continue to live independently.  To stay independent you need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry, and move around easily.  Staying physically active will help you keep moving and help you stay strong. 

In addition, regular physical activity can prevent and even improve chronic conditions.  It reduces the risk of heart disease, falls and injuries, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, stroke, and depression.  Regular physical activity will allow you to move with fewer aches and pains, give you more energy, and improve your balance.  It may even help lower your medical bills.  

When you are first starting out the benefits of physical activity might include:

As you become more physically active on a regular basis, additional benefits might include: