It doesn’t matter whether you are seeking information about gyms, private health clubs, physical activity schemes or walking programmes. There are several key components to look out for.
The best advice is to talk to those people who already take part in different activities.
| Select an activity that is: - tailored to your age group, fitness level, and health interests
- where the environment is safe and non-threatening
- run by professional exercise leaders who have first-aid training
- offering alternative options to all exercises
- if appropriate, monitored by an external body
- not conducted in extreme temperatures (as sensitivity to heat or cold increases as you get older) or on hard or uneven surface
- low in staff-to-client ratio - larger classes may not be able to offer you the support you need
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Regardless of age, exercise provides an opportunity to socialise, so chose a programme with a strong social focus.
| To ensure maximum enjoyment and adherence look for: - befriending / peer schemes
- social opportunities
- home-based options
- a holistic health education programme
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Look for an exercise leader with precise audible teaching instructions and visible skilled demonstrations together with good observation of the participants.
For your older parents the primary focus of any exercise programme should be on regaining and/or maintaining functional mobility, enabling maximum independence using the activities of daily living.
| It should include all the components of fitness but also offer: - condition-specific sessions
- seated and standing options for all exercises
- functional, postural and pelvic-floor muscles
- bone stress for wrists, spines and hips especially
- correction of asymmetry (imbalances between parts of the body)
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Exercises might include getting in and out of chairs, getting up from and down to the floor, taking jumpers on and off, doing up shoelaces, reaching up and standing on toes.
Of course it may be that you decide to focus on just a few of these issues not all of them at once.
Above all, exercise can be enjoyable, accessible, affordable and educational
Safety considerations
Safe exercise environments are very important. For example, before you start walking, consider the street lighting, dogs, uneven surfaces and your own personal safety and security. Always tell someone where you are going and take a mobile phone with you if possible.
Check that the floor where you exercise is non-slip, the chairs are sturdy, and that there is adequate lighting and uncluttered exercise access.
Ensure that you drink lots of water, as dehydration is a common factor in ageing and can occur before you notice you are thirsty.
| You should seek medical advice if you suffer from any of the following conditions: - angina
- increased blood pressure
- heart rate in excess of 100 beats per minute
- acute heart failure
- acute systemic illness (e.g. pneumonia)
- impaired vision or balance
- recent injury
- low blood pressure during exercise
- recent surgery
- fever (flu, bronchitis, chest infections)
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To see what our readers suggest, look at the 'Activity and health' message board, an interactive area of the site where you can share your advice and experiences.
02/06/2009