Exercise is important as we age. It helps maintain fitness and mobility, resulting in a better quality of life.
Many seniors favor low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or yoga, but a recent article by Woman & Home said there is one specific “type of exercise… proven to boost cardiorespiratory fitness and quality of life” that might be worth trying.
The Generation 100 study, conducted in Norway, found that high-intensity interval training (HIIT) was the most effective for improving fitness and quality of life with age. With a HIIT workout, you alternate between short bursts of high-intensity exercise and periods of low-intensity or resting. It’s personalized and adaptable, making it ideal for seniors.
One form of HIIT exercise that many older Americans are adopting is Japanese walking intervals. This is when you walk at a fast pace for three minutes, then switch to a slow walk for three minutes. You should repeat this for 30 minutes. It’s low impact, meaning easier on the joints, while still promoting cardiovascular and respiratory fitness.
For more tips on maintaining an active lifestyle, check out our other articles on Council of Seniors 365.
And be sure to stop by CouncilofSeniors.com to learn how we’re working to improve the financial well-being of America’s retirees.
