2
Staying active
and on your feet
Staying physically
active is the single
most important thing
we can do to stay
well and independent.
Staying active
Staying physically active is the single most
important thing we can do to stay ft and
independent.
As we grow older we lose muscle strength and sense of
balance and this can lead to a fall. The more active we
remain, the better the chance of keeping our muscles
strong, our joints mobile and maintaining our sense of
balance.
Staying active reduces our risk of a fall, which
helps keeps us independent and improves our
overall health and wellbeing.
How much activity is enough? At least 30 minutes
a day, fve days a week, is recommended. The
exercise should be brisk enough to increase your
breathing and heart rate, although it doesn’t have
to be so hard that you can’t talk.
Activities to get your heart rate up and help build
ftness include:
• aqua aerobics
• brisk walking
• golf
• group exercise classes
• swimming.
To reduce your risk of falling, it’s also important to
include activities that improve your sense of balance
and increase your strength. Try to include these into
your routine every day.