Keep It Moving: The Importance Of Staying Active
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Age is just a number.” While it’s natural to slow down a bit over time, that doesn’t mean you have to stop being active. In fact, staying active—at any level that suits your abilities—can play a major role in living a longer, healthier, and more fulfilling life.
What Does “Being Active” Really Mean?
Here’s something important: being active doesn’t just mean going to the gym.
Physical activity includes any intentional movement that uses energy, such as:
- Walking or light exercise
- Gardening or household chores
- Self-care activities (like dressing or cooking)
- Leisure activities and hobbies
- Social engagement with others
Being active is about movement, participation, and connection—not intensity.
Physical Benefits
Regular activity is strongly linked to better physical health as we age. Research shows that staying active can help:
- Reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 Diabetes
- Support bone strength and reduce risk of Osteoporosis
- Improve balance, lowering the chance of falls and fractures
- Maintain mobility and independence
- Delay the onset of cognitive decline and Dementia
- Increase overall longevity
Even light, consistent movement can make a meaningful difference.
Mental and Emotional Health
Staying active isn’t just good for the body—it’s essential for the mind.
Regular movement has been shown to:
- Reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Improve mood and emotional well-being
- Enhance memory, focus, and cognitive function
- Provide a sense of purpose and daily structure
Physical activity stimulates brain function, helping keep both mind and body engaged.
Social Connections Matter
Activity often brings people together—and that’s just as important as the movement itself.
Maintaining social connections can:
- Reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation
- Support mental health and emotional resilience
- Improve cognitive function
- Contribute to overall life satisfaction
Whether it’s a walk with a friend, a group class, or a shared meal, staying connected is a powerful part of staying active.
Can You Stay Active with Limited Mobility?
Yes—absolutely.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to activity. The key is to work within your abilities and focus on what you can do.
This might include:
- Gentle stretching or chair exercises
- Short walks or assisted movement
- Light household tasks
- Creative hobbies like crafting or painting
Progress doesn’t have to be big to be meaningful.
Simple Ways to Stay Active
If you’re not sure where to start, keep it simple:
Start where you are
Choose activities that match your current ability and comfort level.
Do one thing at a time
Even small daily actions—like a short walk or stretching—add up.
Stay connected
Plan activities with friends or family to make movement more enjoyable.
Try something new
A new hobby, class, or routine can stimulate both body and mind.
Making Activity More Comfortable
Comfort plays a big role in staying consistent. Supportive tools can help make activity easier and more enjoyable.
For example:
- Classy Pal wheelchair blankets can help you stay warm and comfortable outdoors
- Adult clothing protectors can reduce worry during meals or social outings
- Compression gloves may help support hand comfort during activities
- Supportive footwear can improve stability and reduce fatigue
The easier and more comfortable it feels, the more likely you are to stay active.
Final Thoughts
When people ask what the “best” activity is, the answer is simple:
The best activity is the one you’ll actually do.
Staying active doesn’t require perfection—it just requires consistency. By choosing activities you enjoy and adapting them to your needs, you can support your health, independence, and overall quality of life.
References
- World Health Organization. (2020). Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behaviour. https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789240015128
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Physical activity and older adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults
- National Institute on Aging. (n.d.). Exercise and physical activity: Your everyday guide. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/exercise-physical-activity
- Paterson, D. H., & Warburton, D. E. R. (2010). Physical activity and functional limitations in older adults. Canadian Journal of Applied Physiology, 35(2), 87–94. https://doi.org/10.1139/H10-002
- Erickson, K. I., et al. (2011). Exercise training increases size of hippocampus and improves memory. PNAS, 108(7), 3017–3022. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1015950108