Movement and Aging
Age- Friendly Committee Article Series- April 2022
Aging is an unavoidable part of existence. We all age; that is entirely out of our control. However, we can control our behaviours, such as moving more and participating in physical activities as we continue to age. ParticipACTION, a national QRQ SUR¿W RUJDQL]DWLRQ WKDW KHOSV &DQDGLans sit less and more, states that there are QXPHURXV KHDOWK EHQH¿WV WR ROGHU DGXOWV moving more and sitting less, including • a lower risk of mortality, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, type 2 diabetes, several cancers, anxiety, depression, dementia, ZHLJKW JDLQ DGYHUVH EORRG OLSLG SUR¿OH falls, and fall-related injuries; and • improved bone health, cognition, quality of life and physical function[1].
ParticipACTIONs 24-hour movement guideline for adults ages 65 and up recommends the following:
• Older Adults (ages 65+) participate in various types and intensities of physical activity, including moderate to vigorous activity accumulating up to 150 minutes per week.
• Add up to several hours of light physical activity such as standing. [1].
ALWAYS check with your family physician before starting any new physical ¿WQHVV SURJUDP DQG EH VXUH WR VWDUW VORZ and move at a comfortable pace.
Ready to get active and not sure where to start?
There are numerous ways for seniors to participate in physical activity around Moose Jaw, below is a list of a few orgaQL]DWLRQV ZKR SURYLGH SURJUDPPLQJ IRU those ages 65 and up
• Moose Jaw Seniors and District 306 694-4223
Seniors classes and walking track
City of Moose Jaw 306 694-4500
Water Workouts
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• Seniors Walk at Yara (mobility devices are permitted on the track, climate controlled)
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692-6072
• Temple Gardens Mineral Spa- 306694-5055
Meditative Movement Water Class •
Movement at Home
Perhaps you live remotely, lack transportation, or would prefer to be active at home- there are still numerous ways to move your body, including gardening, a few laps of the hallway, or marching while sitting in a chair.
If you plan to be active at home, be sure to contact a family member or friend prior to exercise, and after, stop if you IHHO GL]]\ DQG EH VXUH WR VWDUW VORZ ,W LV also essential to ensure your space is free of clutter, take frequent water breaks, and ALWAYS contact your physician prior to any physical activity program.[2].
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65+ | ParticipACTION
[2] Seniors Staying Active | Arthritis Society