Weekly Newsletter:

August 27, 2025

Just in case you haven’t heard the news…

Exercise COULD be the fountain of youth!

(If only Ponce de Leon knew…)

Here’s a short list of benefits of exercise, especially for older adults:

1.  Stronger bones—less likely to fracture
2. Better management of blood sugar—and chronic diseases related to type 2 diabetes—such as infection, wound healing, loss of vision, loss of limbs
3. Better sleep
4. Mood management
5. Decrease risk of falls
6. Maintaining your independence (lifting, carrying, etc.)
7. Managing arthritic pain
8. Decrease risk of cardiovascular disease—heart failure, stroke, and blood pressure management
9. Maintain mental clarity, reasoning, and judgment.
10. Stay social, emotional connections

Who says? American Medical Association, World Health Organization, CDC, National Institute on Health, your own personal doctor. Your mother… (if she didn’t, she should have…)

So why doesn’t everyone exercise, like mad, or at least a little, regularly?

The top 3 reasons to NOT exercise—for many older adults:

1. Joint pain – “I already hurt when I move. Why would I move more?”
2. Fatigue – “I’m already tired and I haven’t even started exercising.”
3. Depression – “I just don’t feel like it.”

Well, it just SO happens the exercise can HELP with all those problems…

1) Yes, exercise can significantly help alleviate joint pain by improving strength, flexibility, and overall joint 

• https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/tips-for-managing-arthritis-pain/

2) Yes, exercise significantly increases energy levels through various physiological mechanisms, enhancing both physical and mental well-being. (Check out this link for good “how to”…

• https://www.hingehealth.com/resources/articles/how-to-get-rid-of-fatigue-with-exercise/

3) Yes, exercise can help ease depression and anxiety by:

Releasing feel-good endorphins. Endorphins are natural brain chemicals that can improve your sense of well-being.

• https://www.verywellmind.com/exercise-and-improving-your-mood-2223781

Exercise and the Good Life

Keeping track. Here’s a weekly activity scorecard you can use:

Example activities:

• 10 minutes of walking
• 5 minutes of raking leaves
• 15 minutes of vacuuming
• 20 minutes of easy swimming
• 10 minutes of resistance band/weights
• 20 minutes walking the dog

PACE YOURSELF 

Great resource: Exercise & Older Adults (NIH guide)

Last but not least: Join DayBreak’s free virtual (Zoom) exercise class for “underactive” older adults. Lead by a geriatric specialist physical therapist—author of this article.

Get Your Zoom On with Susan Musicant, DPT

📧 susan@daybreakac.org

📞 510-298-7728

🌐 www.daybreakac.org/gyzo

— Susan Musicant, DPT

Injury Prevention Specialist at DayBreak

Every gift helps seniors in Alameda County live with safety, dignity, and the support they deserve. Make a difference today—join us in giving hope and care!

If you know an elder in need of our care and coordination services, or a caregiver seeking support, please encourage them to reach out to us at: 

510-834-8314