Everyone knows that staying active improves your energy and is good for your health, but a recent Swedish study found that the number one cause to a long life is physical activity. Not only can it add a number of years to your life, but even if you wait to start exercising until a later age you will still see major benefits. Looking better, feeling better, and having a greater sense of well being are all benefits of staying active.

What are some of the physical and mental health benefits of staying active in your 50’s? 

-maintaining your weight

-reducing the chance of illness or a chronic disease

-improving your balance, mobility and flexibility

-improving your sleep

-boosting your mood or confidence

The best way to get started is to build yourself an exercise plan or schedule. Try and find things that you enjoy and build it around things that improve balance, strength, cardio, and your flexibility.

Make sure to talk to your doctor before starting so that you can get cleared to start your exercises. Everybody exercises differently so make sure that you consider any health concerns you may have prior. Once you have the okay to start working out try and stick with your schedule for 3 weeks so that you can build a healthy habit for yourself.