You can work out at any age!

Physical inactivity has been established as a major risk factor for the development of coronary artery disease. It also contributes to other risk factors including obesity, high blood pressure and a low level of HDL cholesterol . Even modest levels of physical activity are beneficial.

AHA Recommendation

Older adults and people with disabilities can gain significant health benefits with a moderate amount of physical activity, preferably daily. Physical activity need not be strenuous to bring health benefits. What is important is to include activity as part of the regular routine.

For older adults, this moderate amount of activity can come from

· longer sessions of moderately intense activities such as walking or swimming.

· shorter sessions of more vigorous activities such as fast walking or stair-climbing.

Greater amounts of physical activity (longer duration, higher intensity or more frequent) can bring additional benefits. But it should not be done excessively, or injury may result.

People with disabilities are less likely than people without disabilities to engage in regular moderate physical activity, but they can still benefit from exercise. People with disabilities can enjoy

· moderately intense activities (such as 30–40 minutes of using a wheelchair).

· shorter sessions of more intense activity (such as 20 minutes of wheelchair basketball).

Those who are physically active longer or more intensely will derive greater benefits.

Muscle-strengthening activities are also important for older people to reduce the risk of falling and improve the ability to perform daily tasks. The loss of strength and stamina attributed to aging is due, in part, to reduced physical activity.