Exercise myths busted for over-65s!

Posted on 17 June 2015

Che Bresler, a biokineticist at Pienaar and Bresler at Sandton Mediclinic, helps bust the myths that keep over-65s from getting active.

MYTH 1: It’s too late to start being active at 65 – you should be resting at that age.
It’s never too late to start exercise! What’s important is that you get clearance from your doctor first, and then seek the guidance of a biokineticist to recommend the most suitable type of exercise. It’s important to always keep your mind active and your body moving as we get older because, after 65, we start losing strength, balance and mobility. Exercise will ensure individuals stay healthy and strong for a longer time.

MYTH 2: Exercise should be tailored to fit your age – otherwise there’s no point in doing it.
Exercise should be tailored to your abilities – not age! If you’ve been training for years and conditioned for certain training, then you can go ahead and do the same routine. Barring that no issues arise, such as joint pain or cardiac disease, for instance. A 65-year-old who has cycled The Argus for 10 years in a row, has no joint pain and full medical done by his doctor without issues won’t be held back or asked to reduce his training efforts when compared to a sedentary 65-year-old who’s never exercised. Exercise programmes must always be designed around each individual.

MYTH 3: If you’re not overweight, you don’t need to exercise as it’s only really for weight loss.
Exercise keeps us feeling young, it keeps us strong and prevents us from developing health issues such as osteoporosis and degenerative joint disease, and lowers the risk of developing chronic issues such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol. Exercise will boost your mood, help your energy levels and even let you sleep better, which are all important for a healthy lifestyle.

MYTH 4: Exercise actually puts your health at risk – you’re in danger of falling over and exacerbating existing conditions…
This couldn’t be more incorrect. Exercise does the opposite. It helps improve co-ordination and balance, and reduces the effects of degenerative diseases. One of the biggest mistakes people with arthritis make is they stop exercising. This is the worst thing to do as it makes the joint more stiff and immobile. Arthritic joints need the correct type of exercise not no exercise at all. That’s when it’s beneficial to see a biokineticist who will teach people the correct kind of exercise, depending on their condition.

MYTH 5: There’s no need to be active or exercise, as I’m disabled, in a wheelchair or bedridden.
There are many therapists trained in treating patients who are wheelchair- or bed-bound. There are tons of passive stretches and exercises that the therapist can do with the patient to promote movement, mobility and blood flow. All these are necessary for healthy bones, muscles and joints. Depending on the severity of the patient’s condition, they could also do hydrotherapy, which is a very safe and effective form of exercise.

The information provided in this article was correct at the time of publishing. At Mediclinic we endeavour to provide our patients and readers with accurate and reliable information, which is why we continually review and update our content. However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.