WHAT CHANGES WITH AGE
- Loss of muscle mass (called sarcopenia)
- Reduced balance
- Slower reaction time
- Higher risk of falling
WHAT TO PRIORITISE
- Strength training — keeps muscle, everyday ability and independence
- Balance training — lowers your risk of falls
- Aerobic activity — supports heart health
EXERCISE THAT SUITS THIS STAGE
- Progressive resistance training — weights that get heavier over time
- Supervised moderate-to-hard strength sessions
- Walking, swimming or cycling at a moderate to vigorous effort
- Balance, mobility and functional strength work in the same program
BETTER TOGETHER
Women are more likely to cut back on activity as they age, which brings forward frailty and mobility problems. Group-based training and social activity noticeably improve how consistently women in this age range keep going.
THE EXPERT'S LINE
"Exercise remains one of the most effective ways to maintain independence, reduce frailty risk and support healthy ageing."
SOURCE AND CREDIT
This page is our plain-English summary of a guide produced by Exercise Right. Written by Accredited Exercise Physiologist Kirra Womersley in collaboration with Exercise Right, an initiative of Exercise & Sports Science Australia (ESSA). All credit for the original material belongs to them. We link to their file rather than hosting a copy, so you always get the current version.
These summaries are general education, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or an Accredited Exercise Physiologist about your own body and conditions.