Almost anyone, at any age, can do some type of physical activity. You can still exercise even if you have a health condition like heart disease or diabetes. In fact, physical activity may help. For most older adults, brisk walking, riding a bike, swimming, weight lifting, and gardening are safe, especially if you build up slowly. But, check with your doctor if you are over 50 and you aren’t used to energetic activity. Other reasons to check with your doctor before you exercise include:

1. any new symptom you haven’t discussed with your doctor
2. dizziness or shortness of breath
3. chest pain or pressure, or the feeling that your heart is skipping, racing, or fluttering
4. blood clots
5. an infection or fever with muscle aches
6. unplanned weight loss
7. foot or ankle sores that won’t heal
8. joint swelling
9. a bleeding or detached retina, eye surgery, or laser treatment
10. a hernia
11. recent hip surgery