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Healthy Aging

It is never too late to start being physically active.

Healthy aging woman

It is never too late to start being physically active. Being physically active makes it easier to perform activities of daily living, including eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, getting into or out of a bed or chair, and moving around the house or neighborhood. Physically active older adults are less likely to experience falls, and if they do fall, they are less likely to be seriously injured. Physical activity can also preserve physical function and mobility, which may help maintain independence longer and delay the onset of major disability. Research shows that physical activity can improve physical function in adults of any age, adults with overweight or obesity, and even those who are frail. Promoting physical activity and reducing sedentary behavior for older adults is especially important because this population is the least physically active of any age group, and most older adults spend a significant proportion of their day being sedentary.

Guidelines just for older adults:

  1. As part of their weekly physical activity, older adults should do multicomponent physical activity that includes balance training as well as aerobic and muscle-strengthening activities.
  2. Older adults should determine their level of effort for physical activity relative to their level of fitness.
  3. Older adults with chronic conditions should understand whether and how their conditions affect their ability to do regular physical activity safely.
  4. When older adults cannot do 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week because of chronic conditions, they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow.

Healthy Weight for Older Adults

Managing your weight as you age can be important for mobility, strength, and overall wellness. Explore a wide variety of options for navigating lifestyle habits, like eating nutritious foods and getting regular physical activity. https://www.ncoa.org/older-adults/health/diet-nutrition/healthy-weight

Bingocize Program

The Bingocize Program mixes exercise, health education, and bingo to get seniors to exercise, socialize and have fun. The 10-week evidence-based program is meant to be played twice a week on nonconsecutive days, and each session usually lasts 45-60 minutes. The program offers three types of curriculum: exercise only, falls prevention and nutrition. It can also be implemented remotely or in a traditional face-to-face setting. Learn more: https://extension.unr.edu/program.aspx?ID=120