Ask Dr Miriam

QI’m an 87-year-old lady who has a back problem and can only walk a very short way without limping. I use a stick to help me. Do you have any exercise that will be safe for a person of my age to do to keep fit?

AWell, first ask your doctor for a check-up. It’s important that your heart is strong and you don’t have brittle bones. Having done that you should concentrate on stationary weightbearing exercises making sure you’re well supported. As long as you’re standing up you’re using all the muscles in your body to coordinate together and keep you in a stable upright position. That will help to keep your bones strong. Then practise gentle suppleness and mobility exercises in each part of your body, your hips, shoulders, neck, arms and core muscles. One way to start off would be to join a women’s exercise group at your local leisure centre and explore yoga.