Physical activity and mobility strategies for all ages

Experts suggest that maintaining physical health requires a diverse approach to movement, particularly as individuals age or as children face declining coordination. For those over 50, brisk walking is recommended as a low-impact alternative to running to protect joints such as knees and hips while improving cardiovascular health and blood pressure.

To combat muscle loss and maintain independence, experts advise combining walking with strength training and balance exercises. A simple but effective movement is the chair stand exercise, which strengthens the legs, glutes, and core while improving stability to prevent falls.

For children, maintaining flexibility and strength is critical. Parents can monitor developmental indicators through simple movements, such as checking if a child can perform a deep squat, touch their toes without excessive tension, or hang from a bar to demonstrate upper body and core strength.