With age, your body may not remain as able as it once was, but that doesn’t mean you give up exercising. On the contrary, regular exercise is even more critical for seniors to sustain their physical and mental well-being.
Due to many myths about aging and exercise, many older adults get discouraged from exercising and tend to take a back seat. This article breaks up some of the most common myths about exercise for seniors and will help you understand the benefits of staying active as you age. Whether you’re an older adult or caring for a loved one elderly, it’s essential to know the facts about aging and exercising.
Facts and Myths About Aging and Exercising
Myth # 1
Too Old To Exercise
One of the most common myths about age and exercise that discourage seniors from exercising is that they are too old to work out, whether sweating up and down the stairs at the gym or actively working out at home. The fact is that aging does not mean you can’t exercise. On the contrary, the older you get, the more important exercise becomes for you.
The World Health Organization recommends that seniors between 60 and 64 should do at least 150–300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activities to ensure longevity and quality of life. So, you can’t exercise after 60 is just a myth.
Myth # 2
Walking Is Enough For Older People
Another common myth about exercise and aging is that walking is enough. Though walking is an effective way to work on your endurance, it doesn’t work on the other four fitness areas: strength, flexibility, balance, and posture. Working on all these areas with your fitness routine to stay active and independent would be best.
A senior must participate in various physical activities for a well-rounded exercise regime. It’s also essential to ensure that a senior’s physical activities are challenging enough to make meaningful improvements in each fitness area. So it’s seen; generally, seniors don’t push themselves hard enough to get the benefits.
Myth # 3
Injuries While Exercising
Another myth that can dissuade the elderly from exercising is that elderly persons can easily get injured while working out. This is not true at all. If you exercise and progress correctly, there is minimal risk of getting hurt with physical activities for all ages. People of all age groups are at some risk when doing strenuous physical activities. We must all keep at bay the stereotype myths that as people age, they become progressively weak.
Most exercise-related injuries are avoidable. However, some common injuries while exercising include muscle strains and tendonitis. These injury risks can be minimized with a proper warm-up and gradually progressing the intensity and frequencies of exercise routines.
Myth # 4
Exercise Benefits Only Physically
Another common myth about workouts for seniors is that exercise only benefits the body. Many people are unaware that exercise can help fight cognitive decline, a typical phenomenon that occurs while aging. Moreover, physical activity can also help combat anxiety and depression. In fact, exercise reduces the effects of stress.
Myth # 5
Handicaps Can’t Exercise
Chair-bound seniors have a unique challenge. They think that since they are disabled, they can’t exercise. Actually, it’s just the opposite. Regular exercise can improve their quality of life, whether they are tied to a wheelchair or walking around with a cane. There are many options, such as chair yoga, chair aerobics, and chair Tai Chi. It’s essential to speak with a doctor and begin slowly.
About Author: Renu Bakshi, AKA Fitness Buffhq – Best Fitness Guru, is ISSA Certified Elite Trainer. He 
passed Personal Fitness Trainer Course, Nutrition Health Coach course & Specialist Exercise Therapy course from ISSA, the USA, obtaining + 97% marks. He shares his experience and knowledge about nutrition and effective workouts to get you in the best shape of your life, no matter how old you may be. The author says: “For me, age is just a number!”
