In this 2015 photo, an elderly couple walks down a hall in Easton, Pa. It’s not too late to get moving: Simple physical activity, mostly walking, helped high-risk seniors stay mobile after disability-inducing ailments even if, at 70 and beyond, they'd long been couch potatoes. AP photo

Physical activity is one of the most important things to help prevent the many health problems that come with age. Some health benefits of physical activity include improved thinking, learning, and judgement skills as well as reduced feelings of anxiety. In addition to weight management and preventing chronic disease, regular physical activity helps strengthen muscle and bones. Physical activity helps to reduce pain and maintain your independence as you get older.

The Institute of Medicine (IOM) recommends 150 minutes of physical activity in a week. This is about 30 minutes of activity most days of the week and can be spread through the day. Of course, some activity is better than none at all. And your everyday tasks such a grocery shopping, cooking, cleaning, and laundry count! If unable to do the recommended amounts of physical activity due to health conditions, try to be as physically active as your ability and conditions allow.

Did you know there are four types of physical activity including flexibility, balance, cardio-respiratory, and strength-endurance? Each of these components of fitness are important to include each week. Tai Chi and Yoga are great for balance and flexibility. Balance and flexibility, in addition to strength-endurance types of activities help decrease your risk of falls as you age. Examples of strength-endurance activities include climbing stairs and chair sits. Cardio-respiratory activities are those activities that help move blood and oxygen through your body like walking and dancing.

It can be challenging to increase your physical activity while you stay at home. Ideas for staying active while social distancing include meeting a group at an outdoor space and keep 6 feet apart while doing tai chi or chair exercises. Of course be sure to wear your mask and wash your hands. Make television watching more active by using the commercials to get up and dance, some of those jingles are catchy! Catch up on some household chores and deep clean those closets that haven’t been opened in years.

Chautauqua County Office for Aging Senior Nutrition Program provides nutritious meals through Home Delivered Meals, Congregate Dining In Sites, as well as a Restaurant Dining Out Program throughout the county. We also sponsor several exercise programs. Please remember to contribute toward your OFA nutrition services if you can. These programs are not sustainable without the support of participant and community contributions. Be aware that SNAP benefits can be used toward your contribution. We know the healthy choice is not always the easiest choice, but small changes can make a big difference. Our Dietitians, Cheryl Wahlstrom RDN and Carey Skelton RDN are available for nutrition counseling and SNAP-ed programs. The SNAP-ed program is free for those who receive or qualify for SNAP benefits. We want to help you save time, save money, and eat healthy! Call NY Connects at 716-453-4582 for more details and information.