Physical Activity Guide for Older Adults

Check out these community contacts to see what can help you build physical activity into your life:

• Talk to the local recreation department to see what programs they have for older adults;
• Ask about safe walking paths and mall-walking programs in your community;
• Check out the seniors' centres in your neighbourhood;
• Ask the local Y or fitness clubs if they have programs at a reduced cost for older adults;
• Visit health centres and clinics to help you plan a program;
• Ask physicians or other health-care providers to help you decide what's right for you;
• Approach health organizations such as The Osteoporosis Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation, and The Arthritis Society to help you choose programs that are right for you;
• Visit libraries and bookstores to get information about physical activity; and
• Ask your local health department to help you find what is available in your community.

Communities can make it easier for everyone to be more physically active.

An active living community helps make active choices easy choices by:

• encouraging community use of schools for older adult physical activity programs;
• recruiting older adults as volunteers in supervising young children in active (walking) transportation to and from school;
• promoting physical activity in community parks, recreation facilities, older adult residences, and special events;
• opening shopping centres to facilitate walking programs in the winter;
• facilitating transportation to and from physical activity programs for older adults in need; and
• sponsoring safe, active transportation through bike paths and lanes, well-lit and scenic walking trails, pedestrian-friendly neighbourhoods, snow- and ice-cleared walkways, and secure bike parking at local businesses.

Ask your community leaders what they are doing to help people like you be physically active in your community.