According to the NIH, engaging in social and productive activities that you enjoy may help to maintain your well-being and independence as you get older. Research has shown that an active lifestyle helps lower the risk of developing dementia, heart disease, stroke and some types of cancer. Being physically active helps you feel happier and less depressed, and possibly help improve mental abilities, especially if the activity uses the brain to recall words or steps, like singing or dancing.

Find activities you enjoy like gardening, dancing, swimming, biking, or walking. Some ideas for increasing physical and social activities are:

• Take part in senior or community center activities and events
• Serve meals or volunteer at organizations helping those in need
• Sing in a community choral group, play in a local band or orchestra, or take part in a local theater production
• Take a swimming class
• Walk or bicycle with a friend or neighbor
• Teach your grandchildren a game or dance from your childhood
• Do tai-chi or yoga
• Join a bowling league

To reduce the risk of injury, it is important to increase you physical activity slowly over a period of week to months. Make sure to warm up and cool down before and after exercising to help get the muscles ready for activity and let the heart rate and increasing increase gradually. Cooling down after the exercise allows the heart rate to gradually return to normal.

For those with chronic disease conditions or who have been inactive, it is wise to consult with a health care provider before taking on a new exercise regimen.

Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH-National Institute on Aging