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Aging, Inactivity and Exercise
It's never too late for older men to exercise

by Jerry Kennard
for About.com

Updated September 02, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

As men age the opportunities to exercise are often overtaken by the opportunities to relax. Balance is the key to health, so while relaxation is essential, so is exercise. Regular exercise helps to:

  • Keep the lungs functioning at an optimum level.

  • Reduces hardening of the arteries.

  • Increases blood flow to the tissues.

  • Improves the flexibility of joints.

  • Increases muscle strength and muscle tone.
  • By contrast, the more inactive you are the more likely it is you will see the signs of deterioration. These include:

  • Sagging stomachs.

  • Back pain.

  • Sleeplessness.

  • General fatigue.

  • A Weak heart.

  • Lowered resistance to infection.

  • Lack of concentration.
  • For older men a good place to start is with light-to-moderate exercise. Activities such as bowling, table tennis, general gardening (not heavy digging) walking, cycling or golf are easy to start and maintain. In theory, just three or four of these activities a week, for about an hour, is sufficient to provide an adequate level of fitness.

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