A lack of regular activity in old age can contribute to many health conditions, such as osteoporosis, high blood pressure and heart disease. Maintaining an active and challenging lifestyle, both physically and mentally can even improve some diseases, and lead to an elevated and more positive mood. Older people with a lack of fitness ability and health disabilities may benefit from some form of increased activity, although such activities should be talked through with a medical professional. Anyone with an underlying health condition, have lead a prolonged sedentary lifestyle, or is of senior age should speak to their GP before embarking on any fitness program, or increase normal activity levels.
Safety tips when beginning a fitness program
- Speak to your GP before beginning any fitness program, or increasing fitness levels.
- Ensure you have any correct safety equipment for any activity you perform, such as a helmet when riding a bicycle.
- Some medicines may alter your heart rate, and therefore this will be a suboptimal measure of intensity levels. Speak to your GP regarding this point if you take any medication.
- Drink fluids during and after activities to ensure optimal hydration levels. Some people may have to limit their fluid intake, so again, speak to your GP if this is the case.
- Stop an activity if you feel faint, dizzy or any pain.
- Train with a partner, or in a public place where you are visible to lots of people.
- Do not stretch cold muscles. Only stretch a muscle once it is warmed up through light exercise.
- Wear comfortable loose clothes with suitable footwear. Suitability of clothing will obviously depend on the activity.
