With the general population getting older each year, certain myths about older people have begun to fade away.
One of the most widely believed myths is that older people's activities have to be greatly curtailed.
While it is true that your body has changed, it isn't true that you have to become completely inactive.
Exercise can and should be done by everyone, especially strength training.
Your impressions of weight lifting are probably of people in their younger years in gyms staying in shape and looking great.
Well that can also be true of folks at any age.
No matter how old you are, even if you are in your seventies or eighties, anyone can start some kind of weight lifting training.
But you are probably wondering why you would start a resistance training regiment if you are a senior citizen or not quite a senior citizen.
Well, the benefits of regular strength training are many.
First and foremost is the benefit to your heart, which is a muscle that needs exercise.
Although aerobic exercise is the best for the heart, weight lifting helps increase your metabolism which in turn helps you lose weight.
The heart doesn't have to work as hard with a leaner body.
A common problem among older people is losing their balance.
Strength and resistance training helps with your balance, thus helping you to avoid falls that can be debilitating, and which may result in a long recovery period.
And strength training helps build bone mass which helps prevent certain types of arthritis such as osteoporosis.
But the most important reason for lifting weight is how you will feel after a few months of training.
Strength training like any exercise helps relieve stress and other anxiety related disorders.
Just remember to check with your doctor before starting any exercise program.