September is Go4Life Month, promoting staying active and physically fit for seniors with research-based movements from the National Institutes of Health.
Dr. Lyndon Joseph, a researcher from the National Institute on Aging at National Institutes of Health, told Great Day Washington four types of exercises to make staying active for seniors, easy and safe.
1. Endurance
What it does: Improves the health of the lungs and cardiovascular system
Examples: Swimming, running, bicycling, treadmill, aerobics
Some benefits: Helps you walk further without getting out of breath, push grandchild in a swing more easily
2. Strength
What it does: Builds muscle
Examples: Lifting weights, using resistance bands, arm curls, leg lifts
Some benefits: Helps you climb stairs, carry groceries
3. Balance
What it does: Improves your ability to control your body’s position, whether moving or still
Examples: Stand on one foot, tai chi
Some benefits: Helps prevent falls, improves walking on uneven sidewalks, etc.
4. Flexibility
What it does: Improves your range of motion and ability to stay limber
Examples: Neck stretch, Back Stretch, Yoga
Some benefits: Feel less stiff when getting out of bed, bend down more easily to pick up something, put on socks, tie shoes
If you're interested in learning more about Go4Life Month visit www.Go4Life.nia.nih.gov for free materials and the Go4Life Toolkit.
