There are numerous myths about exercising and older adults, and they might be keeping members of this demographic from healthy ageing. According to estimates from Physical Activity Australia, only around 1 in 10 Australians aged 50 and above get enough physical exercise to gain cardiovascular benefits, like a healthier heart and lungs.

That said, older adults can still get enough physical activity, as long as they know not to be swayed by misconceptions regarding exercise. Here are three of the most common misconceptions:

1. Older adults are too old to be exercising

The biggest myth when it comes to older adults and exercise is that older adults are too old for it. But no one is ever too old for it! Older people, in fact, are encouraged to move about as this aids in healthier ageing and in decreasing one's risk for heart disease and chronic illness such as arthritis and back pain.

Exercise in this context need not be anything rigorous, as something as simple as walking 10−15 minutes daily can greatly help in improving the overall health of older adults. The key is starting light, and then ramping up the intensity and frequency later on.

2. Exercising is hazardous for older people

Just as common is the myth that older people should avoid exercise supposedly because their body can no longer handle it and may, thus, be prone to getting injured. On the contrary, older adults need to exercise all the more, as it is crucial to maintaining good health, enhancing cardiovascular fitness, improving balance and coordination (to prevent falls and injuries), and increasing bone health.

As such, there are exercise programs suitable for older adults that have just the right intensity and required of ranges of motion. One of them is yoga, an age-old Hindu practice that is among the most popular exercise alternatives to weightlifting and strenuous gym work. It is also among the most beneficial, as it can help practitioners of all ages sleep better and feel more spiritual. It can also improve strength and flexibility, and even relieve pain. Other options are swimming and biking – low-impact activities that are gentle on the joints but can help older adults improve their heart, muscle, bone and mental health.

3. Exercising is too costly

It is also a misconception that it costs too much to exercise. But as the medical experts at WebMD point out, anyone can exercise for free, as activities like walking, jogging, gardening, playing with the grandkids and cleaning the house do not cost anything, but are forms of exercise already.

Granted, there are gym memberships and fitness classes (say, in yoga or tai chi) that could fit different budgets for those who want structured exercise. Even so, it is actually possible to keep the final tab reasonable, as gyms like Anytime Fitness offer discounts for older adults, while fitness studios such as Yoga Indra have affordable yoga classes for all levels. Besides, older adults can use GCMA's Modern Ageing Portal—an online resource to help older people stay healthy, connected, and active.

The most important takeaway is that people in their 50s and beyond ought to be exercising. There's no room for excuses, just as the saying goes, "When there is a will, there is a way." And find a way they should as physical activity will keep them plenty healthy to debunk arguably the biggest ageing myth of all, which was discussed previously on 'Busting Myths About Ageing': Becoming older is an economic and social burden.

That is simply not the case, and older people can rewrite that false narrative by proving they can discover new talents, rediscover old passions, and contribute to society in their own way. And that all begins by staying healthy, fit, and functional—three things that regular exercise will help ensure.

Specially written for gcma.net.au
by Jolie Brianna