Physical fitness plays a great part in the overall health and outlook of people as they age. Here are links to some organizations that contribute to the physical fitness of older adults. More links to fitness information and exercise possibilities are found below.
These are presented as resources for information. Always check with your doctor before beginning any sort of fitness or exercise program, and use these online exercises at your own risk.
Forever…in motion
Forever … in motion is an accessible exercise program developed for older adults by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, and is available in many communities throughout the province.
Direct link to Forever…in motion‘s webpage on the SPRA website.
Participaction
Remember those Participaction TV ads of years gone by? Participaction is still in action. You can visit the Participaction website for more information and to access their Adult Report Card.
Urban Poling/Nordic Walking
Walking poles can extend the amount of exercise you get, even in a simple walk around the block – and despite the name “urban poling,” walking poles can be used anywhere it’s safe to walk. Learn more at the Urban Poling website. Check out this brochure from In Motion Canada.
Healthy Aging
“Ageing healthily is what we all aspire to. Healthy Ageing is about maintaining the functional ability that allows you to do the things you value. This means preserving both your physical and mental capacity as you age – it also means making changes to our environments (housing, transportation, public spaces etc.) so that they are accessible to and supportive of older people with varying needs and capacities.
Action to foster Healthy Ageing can help tackle inequities and ensure older people age safely in a place that is right for them, are free from poverty, can continue to develop personally and can contribute to their communities while retaining autonomy and health. Healthy Ageing will help build societies that are cohesive, peaceful, just, secure and sustainable.” Quoted from a World Health Organization document on Healthy Aging.
Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines
On the Active Aging Canada website, you can find a booklet called Physical Activity for Older Adults. It was developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology and Exercise is Medicine® Canada.
Get Active Questionnaire
“Physical activity improves your physical and mental health. Even small amounts of physical activity are good, and more is better. Pre-screening for physical activity using an evidence-based screening tool is an important first step in ensuring a safe and enjoyable physical activity experience. Screening identifies those who may need more evaluation before doing a fitness assessment or becoming more physically active.
The Get Active Questionnaire, developed by the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP), is intended to easily screen-in the majority of Canadians to safely participate in physical activity and exercise. The Questionnaire is for all ages to help move individuals along the path to becoming more physically active.”
Go to this link to learn more about prescreening for physical activity, to find a link to the Get Active Questionnaire, and to access the Get Active Reference Document.
It is also available in French/Il est aussi disponible en français. Click here.
Exercise is Medicine
Exercise does so much good for our bodies, minds, and attitudes. It truly is medicine for the whole person. Do you know how much exercise you should be striving for in a 24-hour period? Do you know how to judge what is safe for you to do?
Links:
Exercise and Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis Canada has several videos to provide ideas for safe and effective exercise and physical activity from experts and real-life clients. Find the video series here.
Too Fit to Fracture
Get information on all you can do to improve your bone health at the Osteoporosis Canada website.
Fitness for the mind
Silver Times, a blog from Active Aging Canada, has many posts and resources about mental health, as well as many other topics related to active aging. You can check it out at this link.
Exercise at home
There are many resources available to help you stay active at home. It is good for your mind, your body and your spirit. It is important to keep busy and stay active. If you need a few ideas, please check out the links below.
Exercise at Home Videos
Check out these exercise “daily dose” videos on YouTube from Active Aging Canada.
Resistance Exercise Videos
Keeping your muscles active and healthy through regular resistance training will greatly improve your management of diabetes. Diabetes Canada recommends resistance exercise 2-3 times a week. Their videos are at this link.
Seated Exercise for Older Adults
Find a video demonstrating seated exercises at this page on the Sask Health Authority website.
Fall Prevention
Exercises to help with preventing falls can be found at this page on the Sask Health Authority website.
Chair Yoga
Chair yoga is becoming more and more popular. You can find a series of YouTube videos featuring chair yoga for seniors and people with reduced mobility at this link.
French Language Exercise Videos
French language fitness videos for older adults are available at the website of Move50+.