by Answer is Fitness on April 2, 2010
As we reach middle age and get older, it takes longer and longer to recover from exercising/workouts and injuries. You may want consider running every other day, instead of every day to give your body more time to heal/recover. Or take two days off between workouts instead of one. Be realistic about your exercise and adapt what is necessary to feel good. You can keep the quality of your workouts high but just cut the quantity or frequency of those workouts.
There are other considerations that should be addressed as well. Most seniors exercise the same as younger people, but there are a few areas that tend to weaken as we get older. One is neck flexibility ... needed to see behind you when driving or cycling. Another is grip strength which enables you to open jars and hold heavy objects. You have always been independent and an exercise program can help you stay that way.
Lastly, exercise may help keep your mind young. Human studies on aging and exercise have found an association between physical activity and maintenance of cognitive ability in older people. Exercise can help you feel younger.
