On National Senior Fitness Day, physical and occupational therapists from the Regional Therapy Center emphasize the importance of physical activity for senior members of our community. Regular exercise, combined with a healthy diet, improves your heart health, reduces feelings of depression, and can help you sleep—all of which decrease your risk of falling. 

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends introducing a variety of activities into your exercise regimen. Healthy adults of all ages need 150 minutes of aerobic exercise per week, as well as strength training of all major muscle groups twice per week. You should also incorporate flexibility and balance exercises daily to prevent falls, or reduce the risk of injury if you do happen to fall.
Here are some suggestions to help you get started:

• Aerobic Exercises: Swimming, water aerobics, biking, spinning, step aerobics, dancing, walking, hiking, jogging, running, mowing the lawn.
• Strength Training Exercises: Free weights, weight machines, exercise bands, high-intensity training, body weight training, gardening.
• Balance Exercises: Walking backward or sideways, walking on your heels or on your toes, walking heel-to-toe, practicing standing from a sitting position, balancing on alternate legs with a counter/wall nearby for balance.

Make sure to consult your physician prior to starting a new exercise program.

If you have a condition or injury that limits your ability to function, ask your provider for a referral to the Regional Therapy Center. Our team of highly skilled healthcare professionals will develop customized plans focusing on the skills you need to improve function in your daily life. 

For more information, please call the Regional Therapy Center at 518-583-8383.