Exercising when you are older

What exercises can elderly people do?

Elderly people do not have the stamina, strength, or suppleness of younger people, so an ideal exercise regimen for them consists of activities that maintain or slowly build up all of these physical attributes.

Aerobic and endurance exercises

Elderly people should aim to do at least half an hour per day of exercise that increases their heart rate and makes them breathe faster (cardiorespiratory endurance exercise). Good examples include walking, cycling, and swimming. These activities help your body to deliver oxygen and nutrients and to remove carbon dioxide and waste products. If you’re just starting and tire easily, there’s nothing to stop you doing three 10-minute sessions of exercise instead of one 30-minutes session. With time, your ability to exercise and perform everyday tasks without getting out of breath will improve.