Get Ready. Get Set. Get Moving
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-06-02 12:26:39.901010-04:00
Government statistics paint a grim picture. Only three in 10 adults, age 18-65, are physically active on a regular basis. For those aged 65-75, only 16% report 30 minutes of moderate activity five or more days a week, and even fewer (12%) of those aged 75 and older report this same amount of activity.
However, there is good news. Just thirty minutes of moderate activity, such as a brisk walk on most days of the week, is sufficient to obtain significant health benefits.
The Benefits
Regular physical activity:
- contributes to healthy bones, muscles and joints;
- reduces falls among the elderly;
- helps relieve the pain of arthritis;
- reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression;
- improves perceived well — being and happiness;
- reduces risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and stroke;
- and is associated with fewer hospitalizations, physician visits and medications.
Help Is Here
AARP has developed several online fitness resources to help you get started:
Step Up to Better Health
This web-based program designed to help people fit more walking into their routine by gradually adding more steps each week.
Participants to "Step Up to Better Health" will track their walking online during a 10-week period. As participants log their daily steps they can watch their progress along four famous American trails—Lewis and Clark, Alaska Highway, Highway 50 or the Appalachian Trail.
Prospective participants can register at Step Up to Better Health. The program does require that participants have a step counter.
Get Fit on Route 66
This virtual journey converts minutes spent on physical activity into mileage, allowing participants to chart their progress along the legendary Route 66. Any moderate physical activity counts, whether walking, swimming, dancing, or gardening.
Register at Get Fit on Route 66.
Physical Activities Workbook
AARP is also offering a free "Physical Activities Workbook" that explains how to add physical activity into a daily routine based on different needs and lifestyles.
The workbook is divided into easy-to-navigate sections to help you:
- Start safely,
- Set goals,
- Develop a support network,
- Find motivation,
- Overcome barriers,
- Stay successful.
Order your copy of the Physical Activities Workbook online, or call 1-866-448-3621.
Get Ready. Get Set. Get Moving!
Visit AARP's Physical Activity web page for many more resources, tips and links to help get you moving.
Related Articles
- AARP — Physical Activity
- Step Up to Better Health
- Get Fit on Route 66
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