What if...

What if you could have more energy to do the things you love?  What if you could sleep better, improve your mood, boost your self-confidence, and reduce your stress?  What if you could manage your weight, combat chronic diseases and improve your health?  These are the benefits shown through research of making physical activity a priority in your life.

The YMCA is a safe place to start on the path of making healthy living your priority.  You can come, be yourself and belong to an organization that is committed to developing your mind, body and spirit.  Our friendly and knowledgeable staff and volunteers are looking forward to teaching you safe, fun and effective exercises that will make a difference in your health.  Come and be active with us.  Experience the benefits of living life well.

Maintain your health and independence as you age

Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical and mental health and quality of life as you get older.  Walking, stretching and keeping your muscles in good condition will help you to maintain your independence.  Like adults of any age, older adults need 30 - 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.  Doing 10 minutes at a time that add up to 30 minutes or more during the day works too. 

Physical inactivity makes your body age faster

Independent living depends on being able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them.  To stay independent you need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry and move around easily.  Staying physically active will help you to keep moving and stay strong.

It's never too late to get started

Regarless of your age, it's never too late to add activity to your life.  Not only can physical activity help you live longer, but it may also prolong your health, mental acuity and independence to help you enjoy a better quality of life.   Choose activities you enjoy, that way you're more likely to stick with it.

Consider this:

The more you move, the better you feel.

More active older adults have the function and fitness of those much younger.

More active people prolong their independence.

Everyone can benefit from increased physical activity.

People with physical limitations and chronic conditions can also benefit by becoming more active.

Increasing your level of physical activity as much as you are able can help offset many of the negative effects of certain diseases and disabling conditions.

 Taking the first step is the hardest part...and we're here to help!

Healthy aging and independent living depend upon physical activity.  What types of activities interest you?  Choose something that you want to do.  Start slowly and build up gradually until you are able to do 30 - 60 minutes of moderate activity most days of the week.

And remember, choose activities that will:

Build your endurance;

Increase your flexibility; and

Improve your strength and balance.

 Check out Canada's Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults  and Canada's Food Guide for more information.