Performance3 min readAugust 18, 2025

Stay Active, Live Longer: How Exercise Can Boost Your Health After 60

Why Movement Matters After 60

Staying active can help:

  • Protect your heart and circulation

  • Slow the signs of aging by keeping muscles, joints, and cells healthy

  • Reduce your risk of falls by improving balance and coordination

  • Strengthen bones and maintain mobility to keep you independent

Even small amounts of movement matter. Just 20 minutes of moderate exercise a day can make a significant difference for your health and well-being.

What Kind of Exercise Works?

You don’t need to run marathons or lift heavy weights to see benefits. A mix of activities is ideal:

  • Cardio: Walking, swimming, or cycling to get your heart pumping

  • Strength training: Light weights or resistance bands to build muscle and protect bones

  • Balance and flexibility: Yoga, Tai Chi, or simple balance exercises to reduce fall risk

  • Everyday movement: Gardening, dancing, or even walking around the house counts!

Consistency is more important than intensity regular, manageable activity is the key.

How a Physiotherapist Can Help

Starting a new exercise routine after 60 can feel daunting, especially if you have aches, injuries, or limited mobility. That’s where a physiotherapist can make a huge difference:

  1. Personalised Exercise Plans: A physio can create a programme tailored to your fitness level, medical history, and goals whether that’s improving balance, strength, or endurance.

  2. Safe Progression: They ensure exercises are done correctly to prevent injury and gradually increase intensity as you gain strength.

  3. Rehabilitation Support: If you’ve had surgery, a fall, or chronic pain, a physio can help you recover safely and regain function.

  4. Mobility and Posture Guidance: Physiotherapists teach techniques to improve posture, joint health, and flexibility, keeping you moving confidently.

  5. Motivation and Accountability: Regular check-ins with a professional can help you stay on track and make exercise a sustainable habit.

Getting Started

You don’t have to make drastic changes overnight. Small, consistent steps are what matter most. Try:

  • A 10-minute walk each day, gradually increasing the duration and pace

  • Light resistance exercises with bands or bodyweight

  • Fun activities like dancing, gardening, or gentle swimming

  • Balance exercises near a chair or countertop for safety

Even seated exercises or short ambles can provide meaningful benefits if mobility is limited.

The Takeaway

Exercise isn’t just about keeping fit it’s about preserving independence, reducing falls, and living longer, healthier lives. And it’s never too late to start. With the guidance of a physiotherapist, you can create a safe, enjoyable routine that supports your goals and keeps you moving well into your golden years.

Investing a little time each day in movement is one of the best things you can do for your body and your future.

Get in contact and see how Carter & George can help you today.