According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), exercise and physical activity are some of the best things older adults can do to stay healthy. Even moderate exercise can improve the health of those who are frail or who have age-related diseases.

Some seniors are concerned that physical activity or exercise may be too strenuous or may do them more harm than good. In fact, it’s an inactive lifestyle that proves to do more harm than exercise does.

Without physical activity, older people tend to grow weaker in four areas important for staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. The NIH maintains that:

• Increasing strength and endurance make it easier to climb stairs and carry groceries.

• Improving balance helps prevent falls.

• Being more flexible may speed recovery from injuries.

Exercising regularly can also have a positive impact on the immune system, blood p.
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