Active At Any Age

Young or old, you’re more likely to hurt yourself more in the long run if you don’t exercise than if you do exercise. Being physically active doesn’t stop at retirement. You should continue to exercise as long as you are physically able. Answer the following questions before you begin an exercise program.

• Are you over 50 years old and not used to a lot of physical activity?
• Do you feel extremely breathless after you have been physically active?
• Has your health care provider ever told you that you have heart trouble?
• Has your health care provider told you that you have high blood pressure?
• Do you often feel faint or have dizzy spells?
• When you are physically active, do you have pains in your chest or on your left side (neck, shoulder, or arm)?
• Has your health care provider told you that you have bone or joint problems, like arthritis, that could get worse if you are physically active?
• Do you have a health problem or physical reason not mentioned here that might keep you from starting an exercise program?

If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, please check with your health care
provider before starting an exercise program or other form of physical activity.

Some things to keep in mind when doing an exercise routine:

• Try not to do the exact same routine two days in a row. This works different muscles and keeps exercise more interesting.
• When working out with exercise equipment, read instructions carefully and, if needed, ask someone qualified to help you. Make sure you get proper information before you begin.
• Stop exercising if you experience severe pain or swelling. Discomfort that persists should always be evaluated.