MEDSEEK Public Site Collection
  • ProMedica Patient Portal
  • For Health Professionals
  • Ways to Give
  • Careers
  • Health & Wellness
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    • Children's Health
    • Fitness
    • Mental Health
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Worksite Wellness
    • Classes and Events
  • Patient Resources
    • Find a Doctor
    • Before and After Your Visit
    • When Do I Need the ER?
    • Billing and Insurance
    • Digital Tools
    • Pharmacy Services
    • Patient Advocacy
    • Clinical Trials
    • Support Programs and Services
    • Medical Records
    • Contact List
  • Medical Services
    • Autism
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Diabetes
    • Endoscopy
    • Heart & Vascular
    • Home Health Care
    • Hospice
    • Laboratories and Pathology
    • Maternity
    • Neurology
    • Orthopaedics
    • Pediatric Care
    • Radiology
    • Rehabilitation Therapy
    • Respiratory / Pulmonary Care
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Surgical Services
    • Tobacco Cessation
    • Urology
    • Weight Loss Surgery
    • Women's Services
    • View All Medical Services »
  • Our Locations
    • ProMedica Bay Park Hospital
    • ProMedica Bixby Hospital
    • ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital
    • ProMedica Flower Hospital
    • ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
    • ProMedica Herrick Hospital
    • ProMedica Memorial Hospital
    • ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
    • Lima Memorial Health System
    • ProMedica St. Luke's Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital
    • ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital
  • Service to the Community
    • Foundations
    • Come to the Table
    • Hunger as a Health Issue
    • Ebeid Institute
    • Medicaid Expansion
    • Live Well Greater Toledo
    • Flower Market Garden Grocer
    • Government Relations
    • Innovations
  • About Us
    • Accountable Care Organization
    • Diversity
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Dissemination of Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Social Media Policies
    • Industry Relationships
    • Executive Bios
    • Board of Directors
    • Accreditations and Awards
    • Health Care Compliance
    • News Room
    • Media Resources
    • Featured Experts
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us Form
Home Your Family Older Adults
Health Library Explorer
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z A-Z Listings Contact Us
Home
Older Adults
Translate
  • Spanish
    • Enfermedades y afecciones
    • Cirugías y procedimientos
    • Medicamentos
    • Videoteca
  • Conditions & Treatments
    • Adult Health Library
      • Allergy and Asthma
      • Arthritis and Other Rheumatic Diseases
      • Bone Disorders
      • Breast Health
      • Cardiovascular Diseases
      • Complementary and Alternative Medicine
      • Dermatology
      • Diabetes
      • Digestive Disorders
      • Endocrinology
      • Environmental Medicine
      • Eye Care
      • Gynecological Health
      • Hematology and Blood Disorders
      • Home Health, Hospice, and Elder Care
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Kidney and Urinary System Disorders
      • Liver, Biliary, and Pancreatic Disorders
      • Men's Health
      • Mental Health Disorders
      • Nervous System Disorders
      • Non-Traumatic Emergencies
      • Oral Health
      • Orthopaedic Surgery
      • Otolaryngology
      • Pathology
      • Pediatrics
      • Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
      • Plastic Surgery
      • Pregnancy and Childbirth
      • Prostate Health
      • Radiology
      • Respiratory Disorders
      • Skin Cancer
      • Spine, Shoulder, and Pelvis Disorders
      • Surgical Care
      • Travel Medicine
      • Women's Health
    • Pediatric Health Library
      • Adolescent Medicine
      • Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology
      • Blood Disorders
      • Burns
      • Cardiology
      • Care of the Terminally Ill
      • Child and Adolescent Mental Health
      • Child Having Surgery
      • Craniofacial Anomalies
      • Common Childhood Injuries and Poisonings
      • Dental and Oral Health
      • Dermatology
      • Diabetes Endocrinology
      • Digestive and Liver Disorders
      • Ear, Nose, and Throat
      • Eye Care
      • Genitourinary and Kidney Disorders
      • Growth and Development
      • High-Risk Newborn
      • High-Risk Pregnancy
      • Infectious Diseases
      • Medical Genetics
      • Neurological Disorders
      • Normal Newborn
      • Oncology
      • Orthopaedics
      • Pregnancy
      • Respiratory Disorders
      • Safety and Injury Prevention
      • Transplantation
    • Tests and Procedures
      • Cardiovascular
      • Gastroenterology
      • Gynecology
      • Lab Tests
      • Neurological
      • Orthopaedic
      • Pulmonary
      • Urology
    • Prevention Guidelines
      • Children Ages 0-2
      • Children Ages 2-18
      • Men Ages 18-39
      • Men Ages 40-49
      • Men Ages 50-64
      • Men Ages 65+
      • Women Ages 18-39
      • Women Ages 40-49
      • Women Ages 50-64
      • Women Ages 65+
  • Health Centers
    • Asthma
      • Understanding Asthma
      • Pulmonary Tests & Procedures
      • Controlling Asthma Triggers
      • Managing Your Asthma
      • Asthma and Other Conditions
      • For Your Family
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Cancer
      • About Cancer
      • Cancer and Genetics
      • Cancer Test and Procedures
      • Cancer Diagnosis
      • Cancer and Nutrition
      • Cancer Treatment
      • Cancer Treatment Side Effects
      • Living With Cancer
      • Specific Cancers
      • Children and Cancer
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
      • What is COPD?
      • Pulmonary Tests & Procedures
      • Managing Your COPD
      • Preventing COPD
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Diabetes
      • Understanding Diabetes
      • Types of Diabetes
      • Complications of Diabetes
      • Managing Diabetes
      • Diabetes and Your Family
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Heart Disease
      • Understanding Heart Disease
      • Cardiac Tests & Procedures
      • Heart Conditions and Diseases
      • Women and Heart Disease
      • Diabetes and Heart Disease
      • Congenital Heart Disease
      • Cardiac Rehabilitation
      • Managing Heart Disease
      • Preventing Heart Disease
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Neuroscience
      • About the Brain and Nervous System
      • Neurological Tests and Procedures
      • Neurological Conditions and Diseases
      • Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Disorders
      • Headaches
      • Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases
      • Understanding Rehabilitation
      • Healthy Brain
      • Children & Neurological Conditions
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Obesity and Bariatric Surgery
      • Understanding Obesity
      • Obesity and Health Problems
      • Treating Obesity
      • Bariatric Surgery
      • Lifestyle Changes
      • Childhood and Obesity
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Orthopedics
      • Basic Anatomy
      • Orthopedic Tests and Procedures
      • Orthopedic Conditions and Disorders
      • Arthritis and Rheumatic Disorders
      • Osteoporosis
      • Fractures
      • Sports Injuries
      • Preventing Injuries at Work
      • Orthopedic Conditions and Children
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Pregnancy & Newborns
      • Preparing for Pregnancy
      • Your Changing Body
      • Your First Trimester
      • Your Second Trimester
      • Your Third Trimester
      • Pregnancy Tests and Procedures
      • Healthy Pregnancy Lifestyles
      • Pregnancy Complications
      • Labor, Birth, and Postpartum
      • Your Newborn Baby
      • When Baby Needs Special Care
      • Feeding Your Baby
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
  • Drugs, Herbs & Supplements
    • Drug Interaction Checker
    • Drug Search
    • Drug Search by Physical Description
    • Herbs, Vitamins & Supplements
      • Amino Acids
      • Herbs
      • Minerals
      • Vitamins
      • Other
      • All
  • Nutrition & General Wellness
    • Healthy Recipes
      • By Dietary Considerations
      • By Food Category
    • Nutrition Facts
    • Wellness Library
      • At Work
      • Behavior
      • Dental
      • Diseases & Conditions
      • Fitness
      • Injuries & Emergencies
      • Nutrition
      • Parenting
      • Prevention
      • Safety
      • Today's Medicine
      • Weight Control
      • Your Body
  • Your Family
    • Children's Health
      • The Healthy Child
      • Children and Healthcare
      • Emotions and Behavior
      • Age-Specific Concerns
      • Parenting
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Men's Health
      • In Good Health
      • Health Issues
      • Sexual Health & Reproduction
      • Sports Injuries
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Older Adults
      • Living Better, Living Longer
      • Eating Well, Staying Fit
      • Prevention, Self-Care, and Safety
      • Using Medications
      • Health Concerns: Head to Toe
      • Long-Term Planning
      • For the Caregiver
      • Home Health and Hospice Care
      • Medicare Part D
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Women's Health
      • A Woman's Journey
      • In Good Health
      • Women's Health Issues
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Newsletters
      • More Resources - Online Resources
  • News Center
    • Focus on Health
    • Health News
    • Newsletters
      • Cancer Awareness
      • Chronic Condition News
      • For Your Child
      • Heart Care
      • Men's Health
      • Women's Health
  • Healthy Living
    • Back and Neck Care
      • Back and Neck Basics
      • Causes of Back and Neck Pain
      • Keeping Your Back Healthy
      • Dealing With Back Pain
      • Preventing and Treating Neck Pain
      • Back Pain and Pregnancy
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Blood Pressure
      • Blood Pressure Basics
      • Eating Healthier
      • Getting Exercise
      • Losing Weight
      • Managing Stress
      • Quitting Smoking, Limiting Alcohol
      • Taking Medication
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Multimedia
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Cholesterol
      • Understanding Cholesterol
      • Eating Healthy
      • Managing Weight
      • Getting Exercise
      • Breaking Bad Habits
      • Taking Medication
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Healthy Recipes
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Nutrition Facts
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Fitness
      • Why Fitness Matters
      • Get Started
      • Get Moving
      • Stay Motivated
      • Make Time for Fitness
      • Improve Your Health
      • Children & Teens
      • Women
      • Older Adults
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Mental Health
      • During Life's Journey
      • Common Conditions
      • Support and Stability
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Nutrition
      • Nutrition Basics
      • Healthy Practices
      • Nutrition and Health Conditions
      • Children and Teens
      • Pregnant Women
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Healthy Recipes
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Nutrition Facts
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Smoking Cessation
      • Facing Up to Smoking
      • Planning Your Quit Strategy
      • Taking the Big Step
      • Staying Smoke-Free
      • Teens and Smoking
      • Smoking During Pregnancy
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Stress Management
      • Understanding Stress
      • Keys to Managing Stress
      • Stress on the Job
      • Stress and Family
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Interactive Tools
      • More Resources - Online Resources
    • Weight Management
      • Call to Action
      • About Weight Loss
      • Nutrition
      • Exercise
      • Behavior
      • Related Health Issues
      • Children and Teens
      • More Resources - Health News
      • More Resources - Healthy Recipes
      • More Resources - Nutrition Facts
      • More Resources - Online Resources
  • Tools & Multimedia
    • Video Library
    • Calculators
    • Quizzes
    • Risk Assessments

Take the Senior Fitness Quiz

You don't have to be reminded about the aging process. It's inevitable—but some of the changes associated with aging are not. Just because you're older than 60 doesn't mean you can't be fit. Learn more about senior fitness by taking this quiz.

1. As we get older, we should limit our physical activities because they can be too taxing on our bodies.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A decline in physical fitness is not a consequence of aging, according to the National Institute on Aging (NIA). Many frail older adults got that way because they stopped exercising. Many chronic health conditions are made worse by lack of physical activity. Even if you haven't been active, it's not too late to start. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning an exercise program. Start slowly and build up gradually. That might mean exercising for only five to 10 minutes at first, but over several months, you can increase your time to 30 minutes a day.
2. Exercising during the day will keep you up at night.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Getting enough exercise during the day can actually help ease insomnia, according to the National Institute on Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It is best to avoid vigorous exercise in the evening before bedtime, as this can cause you to be more awake.
3. Keeping an exercise log can let you know if you are exercising enough.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
You don't have to get all your exercise for the day at one time, according to the CDC. You can break up exercise into short periods -- in 10-minute chunks, for example -- with rest in between. You might garden in the morning, for instance, and swim in the afternoon. An exercise log can help you keep track of how active you are. Another benefit is that you can track your progress over time, which can help keep you motivated to exercise regularly.
4. Many exercises can be done from a wheelchair.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
The NIA says that even if you must spend most of your time in a wheelchair, you can still exercise. Here's a sampling of exercises you should be able to do: flexibility exercises for fingers, wrists, and feet; neck extensions; simulated swimming strokes with your arms (crawl, breast stroke, back stroke) to stretch your shoulders; back stretches; leg extensions; and arm curls.
5. To do strength training properly, you will need a set of dumbbells.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
A set of dumbbells is nice to have, but you can use substitute items: a bucket of soil, a stone, a brick, or a can of food, the NIA says. For many strength exercises, such as leg extensions and heel raises, you can simply use the weight of your body as the resistance.
6. An older person's exercise program should include activities that develop flexibility, balance, strength training, and endurance.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
These are the core parts of any good exercise program, no matter what your age, the CDC says. Flexibility exercises help maintain your range of motion. As you age, your muscles tend to lose their elasticity, and tissues around the joints thicken. These exercises help counteract this, as well as slow down the development of arthritis. Strength training helps halt the loss of muscle tissue that occurs as you age and helps prevent back problems. Endurance exercise, also called aerobic exercise, boosts the health of your heart, lungs, and blood vessels, as well as giving you more energy. Weight-bearing aerobic exercise also can stimulate bone growth and make your bones healthier. Exercises to improve balance can reduce the chance of falling.
7. One of the best aerobic exercises for older adults is walking.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
The CDC says that walking is a great aerobic exercise because it's easier on your joints than running, and the massaging action of your leg muscles on your leg veins improves the flow of blood back to the heart. Walking also strengthens your leg muscles and improves your balance, helping you avoid falls. Other advantages to walking: It's free, it can be done just about any time, and it has the lowest rate of injury of any exercise. Other good choices for aerobic exercise include biking and golfing (as long as you're walking the fairways). Activities like gardening and playing with your grandchildren also can count toward your daily activity time.
8. To get a good water workout, you must know how to swim.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
You can get a great workout by doing water aerobics, or by walking in the water, the NIA says. A bonus is that the buoyancy of the water is easy on your joints. An aerobic program should include weight-bearing exercises, such as walking or dancing, to maintain good bone health.
9. You'll know that you're exercising at a good pace if you're huffing and puffing.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
Huffing and puffing can mean you're pushing yourself too hard. The CDC says that you should be able to maintain a conversation at the pace you've set. If you can't, slow down.
10. Older people don't need to drink as much fluid during exercise as younger people.
You didn't answer this question.
You answered
The correct answer is
No matter what your age, if you sweat, it means you're losing fluids, the NIA says. It's important to drink water before, during, and after exercise.
Your score was:
Online Medical Reviewer: Buslovich, Steven, MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Pierce-Smith, Daphne, RN, MSN, CCRC
Date Last Reviewed: 8/1/2019
© 2000-2019 The StayWell Company, LLC. 800 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Patient Corner
Find a Doctor
Pay My Bill
Request an Appointment
Follow Us

Related Items

Diseases and Conditions

Cardiovascular Disease Prevention
Designing an Exercise Program
View All 10

Pediatric Diseases and Conditions

Exercise and Children
Exercise and Teenagers

Articles

Asthma and Physical Activity
Depression Not a Normal Part of Aging
View All 15

News

3 Conditioning Exercises to Support Your Hips
3 Exercises With a Speedy Payoff
View All 238

Interactive Tools

Activity Quiz
Nutrition Quiz for Seniors
View All 3

Videos

Exercise During Pregnancy
Copyright © The StayWell Company, LLC. except where otherwise noted.
About Us
 
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Vine
  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Google+
  • CaringBridge

ProMedica is a locally owned, nonprofit healthcare organization serving northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan. Driven by our Mission to improve your health and well-being, we offer a full range of diagnostic, medical and surgical specialties in areas such as emergency medicine and trauma, heart and vascular, oncology, orthopaedics, neurology, and women's and children's services.

  • Join our e-mail list to get free health information delivered to your inbox.
  • © 2015 ProMedica
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
Quick Links
  • ProMedica Home
  • Pay My Bill
  • Financial Assistance
  • Careers
  • Classes and Events
  • News Room
  • Ways to Give
  • FAQs
  • Corporate Overview
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Support Programs
  • Executive Leadership
  • Board of Directors
  • Industry Relationships
Affiliations
  • Paramount Insurance
  • ProMedica Innovations
  • Pharmacy Counter
  • ProMedica HealthConnect
  • © ProMedica
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Health & Wellness
    • Men's Health
    • Women's Health
    • Children's Health
    • Fitness
    • Mental Health
    • Diet & Nutrition
    • Worksite Wellness
    • Classes and Events
  • Patient Resources
    • Find a Doctor
    • Before and After Your Visit
    • When Do I Need the ER?
    • Billing and Insurance
    • Digital Tools
    • Pharmacy Services
    • Patient Advocacy
    • Clinical Trials
    • Support Programs and Services
    • Medical Records
    • Contact List
  • Medical Services
    • Autism
    • Behavioral Health
    • Cancer
    • Diabetes
    • Endoscopy
    • Heart & Vascular
    • Home Health Care
    • Hospice
    • Laboratories and Pathology
    • Maternity
    • Neurology
    • Orthopaedics
    • Pediatric Care
    • Radiology
    • Rehabilitation Therapy
    • Respiratory / Pulmonary Care
    • Sleep Medicine
    • Surgical Services
    • Tobacco Cessation
    • Urology
    • Weight Loss Surgery
    • Women's Services
    • View All Medical Services »
  • Our Locations
    • ProMedica Bay Park Hospital
    • ProMedica Bixby Hospital
    • ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital
    • ProMedica Flower Hospital
    • ProMedica Fostoria Community Hospital
    • ProMedica Herrick Hospital
    • ProMedica Memorial Hospital
    • ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
    • Lima Memorial Health System
    • ProMedica St. Luke's Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Hospital
    • ProMedica Toledo Children's Hospital
    • ProMedica Wildwood Orthopaedic and Spine Hospital
  • Service to the Community
    • Foundations
    • Come to the Table
    • Hunger as a Health Issue
    • Ebeid Institute
    • Medicaid Expansion
    • Live Well Greater Toledo
    • Flower Market Garden Grocer
    • Government Relations
    • Innovations
  • About Us
    • Diversity
    • Notice of Privacy Practices
    • Dissemination of Privacy Policy
    • Terms
    • Social Media Policies
    • Industry Relationships
    • Executive Bios
    • Board of Directors
    • Accreditations and Awards
    • Health Care Compliance
    • News Room
    • Media Resources
    • Featured Experts
    • Social Media
    • Contact Us Form
  • ProMedica Patient Portal
  • For Health Professionals
  • Ways to Give
  • Careers
  • Join our e-mail list to get free health information delivered to your inbox.
  • ProMedica Home
  • Pay My Bill
  • Financial Assistance
  • Careers
  • Classes and Events
  • News Room
  • Ways to Give
  • FAQs
  • Corporate Overview
  • Awards and Recognitions
  • Support Programs
  • Executive Leadership
  • Board of Directors
  • Industry Relationships
  • Paramount Insurance
  • ProMedica Innovations
  • Pharmacy Counter
  • ProMedica HealthConnect