More older people than ever before are involved in exercise and sports.  They’ve learned that being physically fit doesn’t have to mean aching muscles from workouts and hard-to-maintain exercise schedules. Many people are getting their exercise in active pastimes such as biking, skiing and tennis. Others prefer less active recreation such as walking, gardening or golf.

     All are finding relaxation and fun while they secure a healthy future.  Exercise helps you feel better because it improves your health.

Orthopedic surgeons say that by spending a little time each day in some type of physical activity, you can enjoy these significant benefits:

¨ longer, healthier life

¨ stronger bones

¨ reduced joint and muscle pain

¨ improved mobility and balance

¨ lower risk of falls and serious injuries like hip fractures

¨ slower loss of muscle mass

     People are living longer these days and their quality of life depends on being healthy and remaining independent. Staying active can lower your risk for many common diseases, relieve the pain of arthritis and help you to recover faster when you do get sick.

Stay active and safe

     While it’s important to stay active, it’s also important to play it safe. As more older people engage in physical activities, sports-related injuries are increasing. This is especially true for those who ride bicycles, ski, lift weights and use exercise machines.

     According to a recent study by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), an estimated 53,000 people age 65 and older were treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms for sports-related injuries in 1996. That’s a 54 percent increase in these injuries from 1990.

Additional injuries were treated in physicians’ offices.

     The increase in injuries is probably due to more older people engaging in active sports. Fortunately, most of these injuries were not severe and could be prevented.  For example, in the CPSC study, very few of the older bikers treated in emergency rooms for head injuries were wearing bike helmets. However, wearing a bike helmet can reduce the risk of serious head injury by up to 85 percent. That’s a small precaution for a big payoff.

     By getting regular exercise-and doing it safely-you can enjoy a healthier life.

STAYING ACTIVE AS YOU AGE HELPS YOU REMAIN HEALTHY, LIVE LONGER, AND FEEL BETTER.