The lesser-known benefits of physical activity

When we think about physical activity, we typically think about losing weight or gaining muscle, perhaps the two most obvious benefits to being active. As people age, these benefits might not seem as appealing or as necessary, especially with work feeling more strenuous than it used to.

However, even if losing weight or gaining muscle aren’t on your mind, there are still many other lesser known benefits to staying active into your later years.

The Stanford Center on Longevity reports that, in 2011, twenty-eight percent of Americans aged 75 and older were getting sufficient exercise. Broken down into smaller groups (all for Americans ages 75 and up), those with the highest income had the highest percentage of people getting sufficient exercise while those with the lowest income had the lowest percentage.

As well, the center reported that males are more likely to get sufficient exercise when compared to females and those with more than a college education have the highest percentage of people in that population exercising — almost 46 percent.

While these numbers may not seem bad, they indicate that less than half of Americans aged 75 and up are getting enough activity, while the amount of sedentary activity has increased. There is clearly room for improvement.

Whether it’s planned exercise or a physical activity that is already built into your day, staying active has many benefits for disease maintenance, mental health, and aging in place. Among other benefits, a Surgeon General’s Report mentions that physical activity can:

— Help control joint swelling and pain related to arthritis;

— Help maintain healthy bones, muscles, and joints;

— Reduce the risk of falling and fracturing bones; and

— Reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression and may improve mood and feelings of well-being.

As our loved ones age, it’s important to encourage them to get up and move around. The same advice applies to each of us!

Even if it’s only for a walk around the block when it’s cool outside or a walk around the mall if it’s too hot to be outside, there are clear benefits to staying active as we age. If you’re looking for a buddy to stay active with, many community centers and local senior centers have group exercise programs.

By joining a group and meeting some new friends, staying active can feel less like a chore and more like a hobby. Regardless of how you and your family members choose to stay active, make activity a priority to maintain mental health, to age in place, and to maintain or improve overall well-being.

Fall calendar

The first step to becoming a Community Caregivers volunteer is to attend a one-hour orientation session. Come and find out how you can help your neighbors by volunteering with us!

Most sessions are held at our Guilderland office with convenient parking: Community Caregivers Inc., 2021 Western Ave., Suite 104, Albany, NY 12203.

Registration in advance is required. Please register by calling 518-456-2898 or by email at

Here are the dates for orientation sessions:

— Thursday, Sept. 20, at noon;

— Tuesday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m.;

— Thursday, Oct. 18, at 1 p.m.;

— Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m.; and

— Thursday, Nov. 15, at 1 p.m.

Editor’s note: Sarah Roger is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher, and incoming second year medical student at Albany Medical College. She was an intern with Community Caregivers during the summer and wrote articles on health and wellness, which are both topics she is passionate about.