Guidelines to help keep elderly healthy and active

Remaining physically active is important to everyone, but the health benefits of exercise increase in importance as people age.

Regular physical activity reduces the risk of early death, coronary heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and depression. It can improve the “thinking ability” in older adults and the ability to engage in many activities needed for daily living.

According to the HHS guidelines, all adults gain substantial health benefits from 2 1/2 hours a week of moderate intensity aerobic physical activity or 1 hour and 15 minutes of vigorous physical activity.

Health and Human Services has also determined that seniors should follow the guidelines for other adults when it is within their physical capacity.