It’s never too late to get active. As you age, keeping active can allow you to stay independent, decrease your risk of chronic disease, and can help you to live longer. To achieve health benefits and improve functional abilities, adults age 65 years and older should accumulate at least 150 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous intensity aerobic physical activity per week, in periods of 10 minutes or more.
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity makes you sweat and breathe harder (e.g. brisk walking, jogging, bike riding, swimming). It is also beneficial to add muscle and bone strengthening activities using major muscle groups, at least two days per week. If you have poor mobility, perform physical activities to enhance balance and prevent falls.
While physical activity can be safe at any age, we recommend that you speak with your health care provider if you are thinking about getting active.
Physical Activity for Older Adults Video Resources
Attention older adults: Before starting any new activities, speak to your health care provider. They can help you find out which activities are best for you.
- Dr. Mike Evans – 23 and a ½ hours
- Later Life Training – Make Movement Your Mission
- Loeys-Dietz Syndrome Foundation Canada – Healthy Seniors Movement
Other Resources
- ParticipACTION: Information about physical activity benefits and guidelines across the lifespan.
- Public Health Agency of Canada: Tips to Get Active.
- Physical Activity in Prince Edward County for Older Adults of Any Ability: A guide to physical activity opportunities geared to ability.
- South East Healthline: A listing of fitness, recreation and social programs for seniors in Hastings and Prince Edward counties.
