To Improve Life Expectancy and Heart Health, Get Moving

As if you need more encouragement to exercise, a study shows that life expectancy and heart health increase in proportion to the amount of physical activity we get. And you don't have to run marathons or spend hours at the gym--even moderate amounts of physical activity can help people 50 and older live longer and healthier lives.

Before you start any exercise program, check with your doctor and follow basic senior exercise safety tips. And don't forget to stretch, before exercise and even on days when you take it easy. Fitness guru Margaret Richard extolls the benefits of stretching for older adults and she should know: she's 60-plus and looks great.

While you're out walking or biking, take a friend with you. We love our family members, but experts say that friendship increases longevity even more than your favorite brother or sister.
_{Photo by Patrick Nijhuis}