5 Elements of Healthy Ageing

Aerobic Fitness Aerobic fitness is the body's ability to transport oxygen to exercising muscles. It is important for everyday activitiessuch as climbing steps, walking and gardening. Improving aerobic fitness has mutiple health benefits including decreased risk of heart diseas, stroke and high blood pressure.		Balance Balance is the ability to stay upright and remain stable whilst moving between sitting, standing and walking. Balance is influenced by strength, flexibility and reacton times. Regular exercise is known to improve balance, reducing the risk of falls and injury.
Muscular Strength Strength is the body's ability to move against resistance through muscular force. It is important for everyday activities such as carrying shopping, household chores and walking. By maintaining muscular strength, we can prevent the onset of frailty and sustain an independent lifestyle.	Social Wellbeing Good psychosocial health is important for confidence and a positive outlook on life. Exercise, community activity and social contact are known to boost psychosocial health and reduce the impact of loneliness amongst older adults.	Flexibility Flexibility is the body's ability to move through a normal range of movement. It is important for everyday activities which require bending and reaching such as gardening and getting up and down from the floor. Good flexibility will decrease the risk of musculoskeletal pain and injury.