Health experts anywhere, including those in the Federal government tell us we need to move more, sit less and eat a healthy diet, especially as we age. Yet, the majority of adults over 65 aren’t following these guidelines. What’s stopping ordinary folks from following this advice? Over half of American seniors are not getting the recommended 150 minutes a week of aerobic exercise. 150 minutes can mean walking briskly for 30 minutes five days a week. One can cut that number of recommended minutes in half if the activity is vigorous, such as hiking, running or climbing.

Experts also recommend two days a week of activity that strengthens muscles. That could mean lifting dumbells or anything that requires effort to move your muscles against some kind of resistance. Most seniors aren’t doing that either. Despite the convenience of being able to do muscle strengthening right in one’s home with light weights, soup cans or inexpensive devices, the majority of older folks just aren’t going for it. Imagine using exercise bands while watching TV. You don’t have to get off the couch for that part.

Improving Balance

We tend to be less capable of balancing as we age, and the experts recommend doing balancing exercises two times a week. That could mean standing on one foot for a time and practicing keeping upright. It sounds simple, right? But that’s not happening with most elders either.

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