Go4Life! Live Longer by Moving More
Go4Life! Live Longer by Moving More
By Kalie Chamberlain
Would you like to add years to your life? A 2012 study revealed that moderate exercise increases longevity, regardless of BMI.[1] The Center for Disease Control recommends adults 65 and older participate in 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and 2 sessions of muscle-strengthening activities per week.
Participants in the study whose physical activity level included 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week increased their overall life expectancy by 3.5-4.5 years. Even those who exercised half as much still added years to their lives. The evidence is clear—regardless of your size, exercise can increase the length and quality of your life.
The Go4Life Program
Everyone knows they should exercise, but sometimes, it’s hard to know where to begin. The National Institute on Aging has the answer. The Go4Life exercise and physical activity campaign was launched with the mature adult in mind. With the resources available from Go4Life, healthy, able adults everywhere can become active and stay active.
Whether you’ve never been active, need to return to exercise, or just want to increase your physical activity, the Go4Life program has resources for you. You can download or print a Workout to Go, you can access dozens of tip sheets on health-related topics, and you can even order a free exercise guide and DVD to help you get started. All these resources are available free of charge and in English or Spanish. Just go to http://go4life.nia.nih.gov/exercise-guide-video to order your resources today.
Exercise Is for Everyone
While each person has individual needs and health concerns, it is possible in most cases to exercise and stay active to some degree. Patricia, age 72, shared her story with Go4Life. “I have asthma and results of lung function tests indicate that I qualify for a handicap sticker for my car. But, I do not need one as I exercise regularly to keep my lungs working properly. I lift free weights, stretch, work my core muscles to help my balance, and do 30 minutes of cardio. I have been doing this for about five years and am amazed at how it has helped.”
If you’re a first time exerciser, try using the home workouts provided by Go4Life to build your fitness and confidence. If you’re a social person, seek out an exercise group or class or find a walking or swimming partner. It doesn’t matter how you move—just that you do!
For more information on the Go4Life campaign, visit http://go4life.nia.nih.gov. Or contact the National Institute on Aging by phone (1-800-222-2225) or by email (go4life@nia.nih.gov).
[1] Read an abstract of this study online: www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.1001335