The National Institute on Aging at the National Institutes of Health suggests that older adults should target four main types of exercise: endurance, strength, balance, and flexibility.
- Endurance exercises help individuals be active for longer periods of time, such as going for long walks or playing with grandchildren. Click here for some examples of endurance
- Strength exercises improve an individual’s ability to do everyday activities like carry groceries and open jars. Click here for some examples of strength
- Balance exercises improve an individual’s balance and prevent falls. Click here for some examples of balance
- Flexibility exercises help an individual’s movement and improve their ability to get dressed or reach objects on a shelf. Click here for some examples of flexibility exercises.
Incorporating 10 or 20 minutes of exercise each day can help older adults keep doing their favorite activities and maintain a healthy lifestyle.