So you think you’re too old to exercise?

Posted on 8 July 2015

Che Bresler, a biokineticist at Pienaar and Bresler at Sandton Mediclinic, believes you’re never too old to get moving.

Are you ever too old to exercise?
You’re never too old to exercise… there are tons of physical, mental and emotional benefits of an active old age. It keeps you strong. Literally. Exercise – specifically strength training – is good for your bones and keeps them strong and healthy to help reduce the risk of fractures. It’s also important to keep moving and not become limited in our daily activities. As we get older, we’re also more susceptible to illness so keeping active will not only help you feel younger, more flexible and stronger, but exercise also plays a massive role in keeping us healthy and reducing the risk of ongoing health problems. Exercise can make older individuals less dependent on others for help.

If you’re over 65, what other ailments could possibly curb your ability to exercise?
It’s vital that anyone over the age of 65 first check with their doctor before starting a new exercise programme, especially if you have any pre-existing physical disabilities, joint issues or chronic conditions. Ailments that will limit your ability to do physical activity include arthritis, joint replacements, strokes and osteoporosis. If you have low bone density due to osteoporosis, high impact exercises must be avoided. People that have chronic conditions like hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, asthma, any cardiac disease or pulmonary conditions, Parkinson’s disease should get their doctor’s approval before exercising. The most important thing about exercising over 65 is education the person on the dos and don’ts. Once the doctor has cleared the patient, it’s often recommended that they see a biokineticist who will monitor their training and ensure they’re not doing anything that will hurt them or worsen their condition.

We busted more myths that keep over-65s from getting active.

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However, due to the dynamic nature of clinical information and medicine, some information may from time to time become outdated prior to revision.