Activity and the over 50s

Posted on 20 December 2018

According to a survey by the ABS on physical activity, a few years back, 60% of adults were doing less than 30 minutes exercise per day, and fewer than 20% doing an hour or more per day on average, with the levels of physical activity declining in older ages.

Low levels of activity increase the risks of various illnesses and chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes and osteoporosis, and depression just to name a few.

Basically, exercise is the key! It doesn’t matter how old you are, exercising can help with some of the symptoms and chronic conditions associated with ageing.

Benefits

Better coordination and balance
Boosts your endorphin levels (making you feel happy after exercise)
Reduces risk of memory loss, dementia, cognitive decline and depression
Improves sleep quality
Increases strength and physical endurance
Increases joint and mobility
Increases bone strength
Decreases body fat (in line with a healthy diet)
Decreases blood pressure

Tips

Find a routine that suits your lifestyle that you can stick to
Look at exercises you enjoy doing so they’re not a chore
Plan to exercise with a friend or partner on a regular basis
Listen to your body and do what suits you best
Drink plenty of water so that you stay hydrated in any form of physical activity

Suggested activities (or activity groups) at Ocean Club Resort

Golf
Tennis
Ballroom dancing
Bowls
Water aerobics
Rock ‘n’ Roll class
Line dancing
Yoga
Walking group
Stretch class

It’s important to keep healthy and active so that you can get the most out of life. If

you don’t know where to start, just start by moving more – and sitting less. Buy a pedometer/step counter and gradually increase the number of steps you take each day and set yourself up with small challenges. Remember to start slowly and gradually increase your activity and check with your doctor if you need to.

Sources: Ocean Club Events Calendar; Australian Bureau of Statistics; www.seniors.com.au