No matter what your age, you can improve your fitness.
If it's been a long time since you've exercised and you're feeling less than fit, you might think that it's too late to make a change. But you're wrong. You can improve your fitness at any age.
Best Aerobic Exercises for Seniors
Older adults should do at least 2.5 to 5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, ideally spread out over several days. Moderate-intensity aerobic activity includes brisk walking, cycling, swimming, dancing and nature walks.
Switch back and forth between aerobic and strength exercises, working up to at least 30 minutes of exercise, five days each week. Find activities you enjoy. In general, find something new that you enjoy or activities you enjoyed in the past, and get moving. You might try walking, bicycling, sports, dancing or pilates.
Repeated research has shown that, through weight training, men and women in their 60s and beyond can grow muscles as big and strong as an average 40-year-old.
Weight Training
Weight or resistance training is the best way to lose belly fat after 65. As mentioned earlier, burning belly fat can be challenging in this age group due to muscle loss. By doing resistance training exercises, you develop more muscle mass that helps your body burn more calories even at rest (1).
Early morning exercise can help your aging loved one stick to his/her goals to stay active and well before daily plans get in the way. A morning exercise routine can help keep your loved one's brain and body healthy with increased mental focus.
Though you might not see improvement in days, you likely will in weeks. For example, one German review found measurable increases in muscle size occur in as little as six to nine weeks of consistent strength training in adults older than 60.
Adults aged 65 and older need: At least 150 minutes a week (for example, 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week) of moderate-intensity activity such as brisk walking. Or they need 75 minutes a week of vigorous-intensity activity such as hiking, jogging, or running. At least 2 days a week of activities that strengthen muscles.
Types: Brisk walking, easy jogging, using the treadmill, utilizing an elliptical trainer, riding bikes, swimming, and dancing are all moderate-intensity aerobic activities. For older adults, walking is the most accessible exercise.
Research has found that weightlifting helps seniors prevent bone and muscle loss. and may even help prevent dementia. The Center for Disease Control recommends that seniors do strength-building exercises at least twice a week in addition to aerobic exercise.
Many experts agree that the recommended steps per day for seniors is 7,000-10,000. People who live with a disability or chronic illness can still benefit from an active lifestyle, and depending on individual abilities may strive for 5,500 steps per day.
Therefore, walking in place is also a good exercise for seniors especially those who suffer from osteoarthritis or knee inflammation. It is all because it is a low-impact activity you can do inside and outside your house or in the grocery store while standing in line.
“A light amount of food will help you get through the workout session more comfortably and with more energy.” (Here's what to eat before a workout.) It's extra important for older adults over 55 to eat something before exercising—especially when working out first thing in the morning.
“There's not much evidence that fasted workouts are any better for fat loss,” Prairie says. If you're able to eat a small meal or snack before you exercise, she adds, go for it.
Numerous experts recommend resistance and weight training as the best ways to rebuild muscle. And in addition to building muscle mass, this type of exercise increases bone mass, which is another key to remaining mobile as you age.
Vitamin D may be protective for muscle loss; a more alkalinogenic diet and diets higher in the anti-oxidant nutrients vitamin C and vitamin E may also prevent muscle loss.
Burn more calories than you eat or drink. Eat more veggies, fruits, whole grains, fish, beans, and low-fat or fat-free dairy; and keep meat and poultry lean. Limit empty calories, like sugars and foods with little or no nutritional value. Avoid fad diets because the results don't last.
Sarcopenia is the age-related progressive loss of muscle mass and strength. The main symptom of the condition is muscle weakness. Sarcopenia is a type of muscle atrophy primarily caused by the natural aging process. Scientists believe being physically inactive and eating an unhealthy diet can contribute to the disease.