Newsroom | Community Health
Office Visit: Stay Active, Engaged by Embracing Fitness as We Age
May 27, 2025
As we celebrate the joy of growing older, it's vital to remember our health and fitness play essential roles in maintaining our quality of life. National Senior Health & Fitness Day , May 28, is an opportunity to remind ourselves of the importance of staying active and healthy as we age. Keeping fit enhances our physical well-being and boosts our mental health and social engagement.
Research shows regular physical activity can help older people manage chronic conditions and improve balance and coordination, as well as promote well-being. Engaging in fitness can stave off debilitating ailments, reduce fall risks and enhance cognitive functions. Exercising can be as simple as incorporating low-impact activities into your daily routine.
How can older people stay fit and healthy? Here are some practical tips. Consult your health care provider for personalized recommendations:
- Stay active daily: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity a week. This can include walking, swimming or cycling. If starting is difficult, try breaking this into shorter segments. Ten-minute increments can be beneficial.
- Strength training: Incorporating strength exercises in your routine at least twice a week helps maintain muscle mass, which naturally declines with age. Use resistance bands, free weights or household items like water bottles as weights.
- Flexibility and balance: Practicing activities like yoga or Tai Chi improves flexibility and enhances balance, which is critical for preventing falls. Simple stretching can improve your range of motion and reduce stiffness.
- Social interaction: Joining group classes or community activities provides physical benefits of exercise and the mental and emotional boost of social engagement. They're a great way to meet new friends and maintain a support system.
- Nutritional choices: A well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains supports your fitness goals. Proper nutrition fuels the body for activity and helps maintain a healthy weight.
It’s never too late to begin your wellness journey. Every very step counts, whether you’re starting from scratch or trying to enhance your routine.
Let’s make it a good month.
Todd Hoffman, M.D., C.P.E., is chief medical officer of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, a division of Health Care Service Corp., a Mutual Legal Reserve Company.