Member: I feel like I’m in good health, but I’m getting too old to stay active all the time. Do I really need to exercise? —Sarah, Alexandria
Dr. Fendrich: Getting regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body. While aging might feel like a good excuse to throw in the towel, physical activity should still be a routine — and fun — part of your life.
Exercise can help ward off various health issues or chronic conditions, lower your blood pressure and improve your balance. It’s also a great way to boost your mood and energy levels, which can relieve feelings of stress or depression.
While getting older might limit the types of exercises you do, there are still plenty of ways you can exercise. You don’t need to run a mile to stay physically active. Activities like biking and jogging are great ways to exercise, but so are simple activities like walking around your block, gardening, yoga or dancing.
KNOW YOUR LIMITS
It’s important to talk to your doctor to understand what level of physical activity is healthy for you. If you have a chronic condition such as heart disease, diabetes or arthritis, you can still lead a healthy, active life. In fact, staying active can be one of the best ways to help manage certain conditions.
Your doctor can guide you in knowing what level of exercise is appropriate for you, and might even recommend starting small before potentially working your way up to more moderate activities.
If you’re looking for a little inspiration, SilverSneakers® is a fitness and lifestyle benefit included with your Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Minnesota health plan at no additional cost. SilverSneakers provides access to online classes and workshops, on-demand video workouts and even an app that can help you schedule activities. You can check out SilverSneakers.com/StartHere to learn more, but be sure to talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise regime.