The Elderly Population who Want to Remain Healthy
You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from the expertise of a Sport and Exercise Medicine (SEM) Physician and the largest and in many ways the most important cohort of people who visit a SEM physician each year are those who are over 65 years of age.
The Australian Government Department of health and Ageing have published guidelines on recommendations on physical activity for health for older Australians:
- Older people should do some form of physical activity no matter what their age, weight, health problems or abilities
- Older people should be active every day in as many ways as possible, doing a range of physical activities that incorporate fitness, strength, balance and flexibility
- Older people should accumulate at least 30 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity on most, preferably all days
- Older people who have stopped physical activity, or who are starting a new physical activity, should start at a level that is easily manageable and gradually build up the recommended amount, type and frequency of activity
- Older people who continue to enjoy a lifetime of vigorous physical activity should carry on doing so in a manner that is suited to their capability into later life, provided they adhere to recommended safety procedures and guidelines
If you are experiencing pain with your physical activity, facing other barriers to being regularly active or are wishing to become active or return to your previous levels of activity after some time off, a consultation with a SEM physician can be beneficial to ensure that you are getting the most benefits to your health from your activity and are not at risk of harm in the future.
Related links:
Exercise is medicine
General health screening