The information contained on these
pages is intended as general advice only and should not be relied
upon as a basis for planning an individual's medical care, a
substitute for medical advice, or substitute for expert advice when
undertaking physical activity.
Who are older people?
“We all age but we all age differently”
The older person age group is identified in the National
Service Framework for Older People as the age group of people who
are entering old age, are in the transitional phase and frail older
people. Traditionally they have being defined as those people over
50.
It should be noted that this group of people have significant
variation in their health & functional capacity.
Why Should I Exercise?
Age should not be a barrier to continuing or even starting a
program of physical activity. The aim of physical activity is to
help maintain independence and improve the quality of life
throughout the ageing process. Research has shown that physical
activity may have the following benefits, prevention and management
of disease, psychosocial benefits and aiding mobility.
As you get older any physical activity or fitness program
should have goals set to help the individual maintain or achieve a
better quality of life. The aspects of fitness could help in the
following ways.
Strength - to lift everyday objects.
Flexibility - to tie shoe laces.
Balance, agility and leg power - to climb stairs.
Speed - to cross the road safely
Muscular and aerobic fitness to walk to the shops.
Activities can be broken down into 3 main groups.
Stamina Type – walking, running, cycling,
swimming, vigorous housework.
Strength Type – Walking Uphill,
Carrying Shopping, Climbing Stairs, Gardening and using weight
machines.
Flexibility Type – Dancing,
Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi
How Often, How Much and How Hard?
How Often – Ideally you need to be active on
5 or more days of the week, however if you are starting from being
sedentary then 3 times a week is OK to start.
How Much – Your aim is to build up to 30
minutes of continuous exercise. However to begin with this can be
broken down into smaller 10 minute bouts of exercise.
How Hard – You should be exercising at a
moderate level, this means you should be warmer and be breathing
harder than normal, however you should still be able to hold a
conversation.
Make sure you take time to gradually get to this level of
exercise, warm up and take time to bring your activity down to a
resting level when you have finished, cool down.
Stay Safe
If you haven’t done any exercise for a period of time or are
suffering from a medical condition always seek guidance from a
suitably qualified Medical or Exercise Professional before starting
you exercise program.
Avoid high impact exercise to begin with, it may cause
discomfort to the joints and put you off taking physical
activity.
Start slowly and build up to the recommended levels.
Wear appropriate clothing.
If you do get any of the symptoms listed below please contact
your GP.
Discomfort in the chest or upper body brought on by Physical
Activity.
Uncomfortable or severe breathlessness during your
activity.
Dizziness or nausea on exertion,
Fainting during or just after doing physical activity.
Palpitations during activity.
This list is not infinite and if you do have any worries
please contact your GP.
What is available to older people in South Staffordshire?
There are various sessions at Codsall, Cheslyn Hay, Penkridge
and Wombourne Leisure Centres for the 50 +. This includes gym
sessions, swimming, classes and clubs. Please see the links below
for details of individual centres, activities and prices.
Links