It turns out that staying active is one of the best ways to stay healthy as we age. A recent review article in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) highlights how regular physical activity can keep older adults healthier for longer.
Canada’s Aging Population
With 1 in 5 people in Canada aged 65 or older by 2025, and an increasing number of people living beyond 85, keeping active is more important than ever. Despite this, over 80% of adults don’t meet the recommended levels of physical activity.
Benefits of Staying Active
Here’s the good news: physical activity has countless benefits! It helps protect against diseases and improves overall quality of life. Dr. Jane Thornton, an expert from Western University, notes that exercise can boost cognition, mental health, and prevent falls by strengthening muscles and improving balance.
A 2023 meta-analysis found that just 150 minutes of moderate activity a week can lower the risk of death from any cause by 31%. Imagine that—staying active can literally add years to your life!
How to Get Moving
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends between 150-300 minutes of moderate-to-intense activity each week, even for older adults. But don’t worry, you don’t have to start with a marathon. Dr. Samir Sinha from the University of Toronto suggests that doctors should encourage older patients to slowly increase their activity levels and include muscle-strengthening exercises.
The WHO also has a neat 5-step framework to help clinicians guide older patients towards more physical activity. The goal is to see physical activity as a vital sign to track over time, much like blood pressure or heart rate.
Remember, getting older shouldn’t be a reason to slow down—in fact, it’s a reason to get moving! Let’s make those golden years truly golden.
What do you think would be a fun way to add more movement to your routine?