Many of the problems that people associate with "aging" are actually not due to aging at all. Instead, they are due to a lack of activity. In particular, deaths from heart disease could probably be reduced if all people participated in mild, regular exercise. Many people feel that it is dangerous to exercise after a certain age. Actually, it is usually much more dangerous not to. If you have a medical condition, ask your doctor or health care provider about any limitations on exercise. Older adults who exercise tend to:

• look younger,
• feel better,
• have more energy,
• sleep better,
• have fewer medical visits, and
• stay more active in all areas of their lives.

One of the most important aspects of exercise is to pick an activity that you like or at least feel okay about. Remember that physical activity such as walking, dancing, or gardening for 30 minutes a day, can have big benefits. If you haven't been exercising at all for years, start slowly. Begin with even a minute or two of exercise and build up by a minute each time.

To condition your heart, think about an aerobic activity. These are called the "I-N-G" exercises. Most activities that end in "ing" are aerobic. Walking, swimming, biking, and dancing are all aerobic. To stay strong, think about weight training. Systems that involve resistance, such as Nautilus, pose less risk of injury for older adults than free weights. To stay flexible, think about stretching activities like yoga or tai chi.

Make sure that you get the right equipment for the right sport. Good, supportive shoes are especially important.

Besides health clubs, many other centers often have exercise programs for seniors. These include senior citizens' centers, YMCA, YWCA, community centers for various religious groups, recreation centers, and community colleges. Regular exercise can vastly improve the quality of life for older adults.

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