Experience Health

65+ Fitness Quiz

Here’s a little exercise for your mind! Test your knowledge about physical fitness after age 65 with this fun quiz.

Most doctors agree that we should limit our physical activities after the age of 65.

Exercising after the age of 65 is encouraged! Staying active prevents chronic disease, lowers the risk of certain types of cancer, decreases bodily inflammation and much more! 1

Exercising can help improve your sleep.

By exercising regularly, not only will you fall asleep and stay asleep longer, but your overall sleep quality will be improved. 2

To be effective, exercise should last at least one hour.

It is recommended that older adults exercise at a moderate rate for 150 minutes per week. That could be 22 minutes every day or 30 minutes five days out of the week. 3

Many exercises can be done from a sitting position.

Yes! There are a number of exercises that can be performed while sitting in a chair. Chair exercises can provide the same benefits without a harsh impact on your body. 4

To do strength training properly, you will need a set of heavy weights.

In fact, weights are optional when it comes to strength training. You can practice resistance training, which uses the weight of your body when using a wall to push against, or resistance bands. 5

Strength training can improve cognitive (brain) performance.

And much more! Strength training helps ward off age-related muscle loss, keeps your bones strong, promotes mobility, prevents falls and combats depression and cognitive decline. 5

One of the best exercises for adults is walking.

Although walking is a great option with low impact, swimming is the best exercise for an older adult. Swimming is a non-impact activity and protects joints. 6

To get a good water workout, you must know how to swim.

No! In fact, most water aerobic exercises don’t involve actual swimming at all. 6

You’ll know that you’re exercising at a good pace if you’re breathing hard.

Breathing is a crucial part of exercise! Holding your breath limits your power, strength and endurance. It’s important to breathe through the hardest part of the exercises to avoid lightheadedness and dizziness. 7

Older people don’t need to drink as much fluid during exercise as younger people.

Hydration is important no matter your age! Make sure to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day and while exercising, even if you don’t feel thirsty. 8

References
  1. Hrustic, Alisa. "Is Exercise Really the Best Medicine?" SilverSneakers®. July 18, 2018. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  2. Brody, Barbara. "17 Convincing Reasons to Exercise Today" SilverSneakers®. March 17, 2017. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  3. Hrustic, Alisa. "I’ve Never Exercised. Is It Too Late to Start?" SilverSneakers®. February 13, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  4. White, Nicholas. "Think chair exercises aren’t for you?" SilverSneakers®. October 3, 2016. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  5. Fetters, K. Aleisha. "Everything You Need to Know About Strength Training" SilverSneakers®. May 13, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  6. Thornton, Jim. "Is Swimming the World’s Best Exercise?" SilverSneakers®. May 2, 2019. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  7. Fetters, K. Aleisha. "5 Tweaks That Will Make Your Workout Much More Effective" SilverSneakers®. November 13, 2018. Accessed July 11, 2022.
  8. Fields, Lisa. "The New Food Pyramid for Older Adults" SilverSneakers®. January 16, 2018. Accessed July 11, 2022.