Quiz – Active Citizen
You may be eligible for senior discounts, but that doesn’t mean you can discount yourself when it comes to your fitness. Regular physical activity isn’t just possible for older adults, it’s essential. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program, but first, start separating myths from facts by taking our quiz:
1. It is safer to limit physical activity, which can be taxing on the body, if you are an older adult.
A. True
B. False
2. An older person's exercise program should focus primarily on _____.
A. Flexibility
B. Balance
C. Strength training
D. Endurance
E. All of the above
3. You'll know that you're exercising at a good pace if you're huffing and puffing.
A. True
B. False
4. A great aerobic exercise that also boasts the lowest rate of injury is ______.
A. Biking
B. Swimming
C. Walking
D. Pickleball
1. B. False. Many older adults have become frail because they stopped exercising, and many chronic health conditions are made worse by lack of physical activity.
2. E. All of the above. Flexibility exercises help maintain your range of motion. Exercises to improve balance can reduce the chance of falling. Strength training helps halt the loss of muscle tissue as you age. Endurance exercise can be achieved with aerobics, which helps your heart and lungs.
3. B. False. Huffing and puffing can mean you're pushing yourself too hard. You should be able to maintain a conversation at the pace you've set.
4. C. Walking has the lowest rate of injury. However, biking, swimming and pickleball are also good aerobic exercises. Golf can also be included on this list if you are walking the fairways.
Source: Krames Health Library at www.sjchs.org.