Staying active in your 50s and beyond can be the best gift you give to yourself

Exercise can enhance your energy levels, keep you at a healthy weight, and even possibly reduce some of the symptoms associated with aging. Exercise can be good for your brain and emotional state as well as your body. Whether you’re looking to maintain your current weight or to feel more energetic and healthy overall, there are numberous ways to stay active when you’re over 50. We recommend that you speak to your health practitioner prior to starting any new exercise routine or making changes to your current one.

Exercise can build muscle and bone mass, boost cardiovascular health, increase your energy levels and make you feel stronger.

Regular exercise has been linked to a reduced risk or delayed development of many illnesses and diseases, as well as providing benefits for those with chronic conditions, including: ● Heart disease and stroke ● Osteoporosis ● Joint and muscle pain ● Arthritis ● Type 2 diabetes ● High blood pressure ● Alzheimer’s ● Breast cancer ● Lung cancer ● Cholesterol.

Exercise can also help with some of the symptoms of chronic conditions or conditions associated with aging, including: Menopause symptoms, joint pain, weight gain, lowered immune function and poor digestion.

Exercise is well known for having a positive impact on stress levels by boosting mood and raising the level of endorphins in your body. It’s also good for your brain because it is associated with reducing the risk of memory loss, dementia, cognitive decline and depression.

Experts suggest that a well-rounded fitness routine incorporates three elements: aerobic activity, strength training and stretching.

Aerobic activity - Aim for at least three or four 20-minute sessions of aerobic exercise each week, whether it’s jogging, walking, swimming, dance, or some other type of activity that gets your heart pumping.

Strength training - Strength training helps you retain or build muscle density and reduce the risk of back injury. Start with hand weights and do eight easy repetitions and build up to 12 reps. This will help you both build strength and strengthen your posture.

Stretching - Incorporate stretching and warm ups into your routine to build joint flexibility and reduce the risk of injury or strain. Try yoga, tai chi, or pilates movements as safe stretching exercises for standalone or pre-workout warm-up.

Many people starting out with exercise in middle age are discouraged because they think it’s probably too late to reap real benefits. In fact, the opposite is true. Studies show that it’s never too late to start realising benefits from exercise.

Some fitness experts say it’s even possible to get into the best shape of your life after the age of fifty

if you’ve spent most of your life out of shape.