Senior Exercise Directory
Exercise in older adults is very important for balance, heart health, muscle strength, blood circulation, and more. Exercise may be something fun, like playing golf or tennis, or something very simple such as taking the stairs or parking farther away from the grocery store so you take more steps. Tai chi and yoga are great exercises for those wishing to increase their balance and muscle tone. Water exercises are gentle on the joints but great for your heart and lungs. Follow the links below to find WebMD's comprehensive coverage about how exercise benefits seniors, which exercises are most effective, and much more.
Medical Reference
-
Get Fit for Life: How to Live Longer
It's important to keep moving, no matter how old you are. Here's the best way to do it and why exercise can help you live longer.
-
Do I Need Physical Therapy for a Rotator Cuff Tear?
The four shoulder muscles that make up the rotator cuff can get worn or tear. Find out how physical therapy exercises and other treatment can help you feel better.
-
Caring for Parents, Keeping Them Healthy
WebMD offers tips for taking care of your aging parents -- from helping with doctor visits to helping them eat well.
-
What Alzheimer's Disease Does to Your Body
Alzheimer's disease causes physical changes along with mental and emotional ones. Here's what you should expect if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's.
Features
-
Pumping Iron to Stay Young?
This grandmother insists that strength training has kept her fit and helped her stay younger. She may be on to something.
-
Senior Fitness: Why It's Never Too Late to Start
Even people in their 70s and 80s gain benefit when they start to exercise -- as long as they do it safely.
-
Over 40, Fit, and Ready to Bare Arms
Many older, high-profile women are fit and toned. Is that realistic for the rest of us?
-
Let the Senior Games Begin
One sign of the growing presence of vigorous older people is the National Senior Games Association, a not-for-profit entity that promotes health and fitness and coordinates state Senior Games and Senior Olympics organizations.
Video
-
How to Exercise After 55
Laura Corio, MD, talks about the types of exercise needed for women age 55 and over.
-
Can I Reverse Years of Neglecting My Health?
Lifestyle medicine specialist, James Rippe, MD, talks about how to get back on the right path to health.
-
Tai Chi Strengthens Mind and Body
Tai Chi’s focus on posture and body placement may add benefits beyond what cardiovascular or resistance-training can provide.
Slideshows & Images
-
Slideshow: 18 Secrets for a Longer Life
Friends are a surprisingly strong influence on how long you live -- for better or worse. Our slideshow explains this and other secrets of longevity.
-
Slideshow: Active Living with Osteoarthritis
You don't have to sacrifice your favorite activities when you have arthritis. Use these tips to keep up your active lifestyle.
-
Slideshow: Live Well Over 50
Looking for ways to keep fit -- mentally and physically -- as you age? Here are some tips for exercising smarter, eating better, and enjoying life after 50.
-
Slideshow: Tips to Keep Joints Healthy
Dealing with joint pain and arthritis? Find solutions for joint pain and tips to protect your joints from damage.
Quizzes
-
Quiz: Our Bodies as We Age
Do you know what to expect as you age? Take this quiz to find out how your body changes and to prepare for what’s ahead.
-
Weight and Aging Myths: Metabolism, Sarcopenia, Menopause, and More
It's true: It does get harder to keep your weight steady as you get older. But it's not just about what you eat. Take this quiz to see how much you know about weight and aging.