Fitness: Getting and Staying Active

It's never too late to start getting active. You can benefit from physical activity even if you think of yourself as "elderly" or you already have conditions such as arthritis or heart disease. Being more active will help you feel better and may even help you live longer.

If you haven't been active for a long time, you may have no idea where to start. The important thing is to take that first step—and make that first step a small one.

If you're an older adult and are starting activity, be sure to:

• Start safely. Reference Talk to your doctor before you start, and don't overdo it.
• Keep the benefits in mind. Activity and exercise can strengthen your heart and give you more energy, make falls less likely, and help you sleep at night. It can improve blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Know when to stop. Stop your activity if you are panting or are very short of breath or have pain in your chest.

For more information, see:

• Reference Physical Activity as You Get Older.
• Reference Becoming More Active.

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