Live Younger Longer

Physical activity
As a child, you were probably pretty physically active — running and
playing and taking part in many activities. Even if you continued to stay
vigorously active for only 10 minutes three times a week as you journeyed
through adulthood, you’ve already done a tremendous amount to help
prevent health problems that can occur over time. And I know most of you
are thinking, “I’ve done that.” Maybe you have, but currently only 1 in 5
adults in the U.S. is doing so.
Most of us don’t stay as active as we were when we were children, or even
as active as we were in our 20s and 30s. Hours of sitting at a desk or in a
recliner watching TV replace our once busy lifestyle. Many of us are now
faced with fixing health issues caused by inactivity — like high blood
pressure, heart disease and obesity.
But it’s never too late to get moving. Even small improvements can
significantly affect your health. Get started with this advice:

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Ease in. 
Slow and steady wins this race. If you’ve been sedentary, start
with some stretches and a walk down your street. Then increase your
activity as you’re able.
Focus on activity instead of exercise. 
Going on a bike ride,
gardening, fishing, golfing, dancing, playing pickleball and doing yoga
in your living room all count.
Work it into your routine. 
Do some stretches or lift hand weights
while watching TV. Or, instead of meeting a friend for coffee, go for a
walk together.
Don’t overdo it. 
If using weights, start with 1 or 2 pounds. If using
resistance bands, start with the most flexible band and work your way
up.
Get social. 
Exercising with a friend can be a great motivator — and
more fun. Ask friends or family to go on bike rides or take yoga
classes with you. Studies have shown that social activities, like tennis,
lead to greater health benefits than solo activities like running or going
to the gym alone (see 
this discussion
).