3. Do you have any tips for starting an exercise program at an older age? Find something that’s fun and enjoyable for you and that provides positive gains beyond the obvious health benefits. For example, if you want to meet people, you could join a group that exercises together. Many shopping malls have walking clubs where older people meet and walk laps inside the mall together. Also, try to pick something you’ve done and enjoyed in the past. If you haven’t been active before, we recommend that you start with walking or swimming. Swimming is especially good for people who have arthritis. Start with 30 minutes of exercise, at whatever pace you want, three times a week. If you’d like to do more, that’s great, but be sure to add more physical activity gradually. The idea of "no pain, no gain" is wrong. Pain is bad for you. What you should aim for is what’s called the "sweet tension" threshold, where it feels like a bit of work, but it’s not causing pain. If you have heart disease, you should have a check-up before starting an exercise program.
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