While aging is inevitable, how we age is becoming more under our control than ever before. The “Golden Years”, as they’ve been called, are no longer viewed as a time to slow down into a sedentary lifestyle. Instead, today’s seniors are embracing an active life well into their 70s, 80s, and 90s. Staying healthy and active as we age isn’t just about adding years to our lives; it’s about adding life to our years!
Whether you are newly retired or well into your senior years, it’s never too late to make positive changes. There are practical and achievable ways for older adults to remain physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy as we age.
Regular physical activity has documented benefits for people of all ages, but it’s especially crucial for seniors. According to the World Health Organization, adults aged 65 and older should engage in 150 minutes of mod- erate-intensity aerobic physical activity each week.
Exercise can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, including heart attacks and strokes. Often, high blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels improve. Staying active increases mobility, balance, and flexibility, which helps prevent falls – the number one injury that causes seniors to end up in the emergency room.
Walking, light strength training, and resistance bands can slow or even reverse bone density loss. In my case, I reversed my osteopenia (an early stage of bone loss) with walking, cardio class, and pickleball!
Physical activity also enhances mental well-being and brain health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, while helping memory, attention, and problem-solving. You can even increase your lifespan and lower your risk for dementia.
Of course, good nutrition goes hand in hand with staying active. Make sure you’re eating a balanced diet with enough protein in your meals to nourish your muscles. And stay hydrated!
As we get older, staying active becomes less about getting in shape and more about maintaining our independence, preventing injuries, reducing the chance of getting a disease, and improving our quality of life.
Living in Southern Utah is like paradise for enjoying outdoor activities like walking, hiking, and biking. Stay social and engage with others by joining an activity-focused club. As the sun sets over the red cliffs and lights up the desert sky, it’s clear there’s no better place to grow strong, stay active, and enjoy the journey of aging. Embrace a lifestyle that prioritizes movement, mindfulness, and meaning!
| Ways to stay active when you’re older: |
| Swimming, water aerobics Golf (try it without a cart) Aerobic exercise classes Bicycle riding (e-bikes count) Dancing Yard work (gardening, digging, pushing a lawn mower) Tennis, racquetball, pickleball Vacuuming Bowling Walking, jogging (take your dog) Hiking Lawn games (horseshoes, cornhole) Resistance bands Lifting weights to maintain muscles Yoga, tai chi Pilates Washing windows Playing with grandchildren Kayaking |
This article originally appeared in the Fall 2025 issue of HEALTH Magazine.