The Benefits of Exercise After 60

The golden years may be the time for some to slow down from work, but not from exercise. Exercise is very important for people 60 and over. A lack of physical activity can lead to more doctor visits, hospitalization and more uses of medicine for a variety of illnesses. Inactivity also can lead to loss of independence. 

Join two nurses from Desert Regional Medical Center’s Cardiac Rehabilitation Program for a seminar about the many benefits of exercise after 60 and how it can help you maintain a healthy heart. Alicia Rios, RN and Jean Novales, RN – will present “How Exercise Can Help Your Heart After 60” on Thursday, December 1 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Mizell Senior Center located at 480 S. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs.

Why Exercise After 60 is Important 

What Rios and Novales most want people to know is that it’s never too late to start exercising again. As long as you don’t have any physical limiting factors, activity is what your body wants and needs. Even if you do have limiting factors, your exercise routine can be tailored to your needs. As muscle mass and strength decline in older adults, it’s important to counteract this decline with continued exercise and strength training. The good news is that the human body improves with activity regardless of age. 

Exercise can even help chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease and diabetes. According to a report published in the American College of Cardiology, older patients who participated in cardiac rehabilitation (CR) have shown improvement in their cardiorespiratory fitness, maximal oxygen uptake and anaerobic threshold.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), older adults should get at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous exercise each week, combined with 2-3 days of strength training, such as light weights or resistance training that work all the major muscle groups. For even greater health benefits, the CDC recommends 5 hours of moderate exercise each week.

No More Excuses 

One of the excuses people use for lack of exercise is lack of time.  But exercise can improve your mood and enhance cognitive function to help make you more productive. So cross that one off your list. Lack of motivation is probably the most valid excuse. But with so many health and lifestyle benefits, motivation shouldn’t be an issue.

Set Your Mind to Maintain Your Body

Maintaining an exercise program takes a dedicated mindset. “The best way for people to stick with an exercise program is to choose something they love to do. If they enjoy it, they will want to stick with it,” said Rios. She also encourages people to join a group class, which provides both camaraderie and accountability. 

Rios and Novales will answer your questions about what to expect when exercising with heart disease, what precautions you should take and how far to push yourself. They’ll also share inspiring stories of people with heart disease who have improved their health and gotten their strength back with exercise. Click here to register for the seminar or call (800) 491-4990.

You’re Invited
How Exercise Can Help Your Heart After 60
Alicia Rios, RN and Jean Novales, RN
Thursday, December 1 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Mizell Senior Center
480 S. Sunrise Way, Palm Springs

RSVP:  (800) 491-4990