HealthInfo Canterbury
Being active is good for everyone, including older people. Being active as you age can help:
The Ministry of Health recommends people aged 65 and over do at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least five days a week.
With moderate-intensity activity, your heart rate and breathing rate will increase but you should still be able to have a conversation. Moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, dancing, cycling, swimming, housework and playing active games with grandchildren.
You don’t need to join a gym or play a sport to be active. Try adding more activity into your daily routine by walking to the shops, gardening or washing the car.
Being active for small amounts of time throughout the day is as effective as doing it in one go. So, if you can’t do 30 minutes in one go, try doing two lots of 15 minutes or three lots of 10 minutes.
Each week it’s also good to do:
You can use the Live Stronger for Longer website to find a class near you. Classes are for people aged 50 or older who want to improve their strength and balance and reduce their risk of falling. Most classes are available at low cost. If you aren't sure which class is best for you, you can fill in this self-referral form or phone 021-771-7474. A coordinator will discuss the options with you and enrol you in a class.
If you haven’t been active for a while and have concerns about your health, talk to your GP before you start. Especially talk to your GP if you have a health condition such as high blood pressure or heart problems. For more tips on getting started safely see Starting to be more active.
If you aren't sure what activities are right for you, talk to your GP, practice nurse or other health professional about Support for getting active. There are several initiatives to help adults get physically active. Some of them are free or subsidised but you may have to pay for others.
You're more likely to stick with an activity you find fun and rewarding. No activity is better than another, so find what works best for you. The Greater Christchurch sport and recreation guide can help you find an activity. It has information about all the sports clubs, parks, classes, groups and programmes in your area.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
Simple and safe exercises to do at home.
A factsheet with recommendations for how active older people should be.
A pamphlet with easy to follow strength, balance and flexibility exercises you can do any time, anywhere.
HealthInfo recommends the following apps
An app for people wanting to improve their balance and mobility and reduce their risk of falling.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed May 2020.
Review key: HIKEA-53695