A partnership to promote physical activity among Florida’s senior citizens through multi-sport events.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people who are physically active tend to live longer and more independent lives, while lowering their risk for heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression, and some cancers. Studies also show that continuing to exercise as you age can help prevent physical disabilities, such as loss of balance or difficulty walking. Even with all of the documented benefits of physical activity in seniors, one out of every three seniors in Florida still report having low levels of physical activity.
Healthiest Weight Florida and the Florida Sports Foundation encourage Florida’s seniors, 50 and older, to remain physically active through multiple avenues which include health promotion messaging and participation in events like the Florida Senior Games. The 2014 Senior Games featured multi-sport events with 19 local games conducted by independent organizations. The events led up to the State Championships in December.
CDC guidelines for physical activity in seniors recommend 75 minutes to 150 minutes of physical activity a week, depending on the activity level. For help meeting the recommendations, we encourage you to sign up for the National Institute on Aging’s free Go4Life® program.
For more on the Senior Games information, visit the Florida Sports Foundation.