June is Men's Health Month, and if you're male over 70, you've probably already figured out something important: keeping moving is one of the best decisions you can make. The question isn't really whether to stay active. It's figuring out what activity looks like now, at this point in life, with the body you have today.
Being Active After 70
Active doesn't mean training for a 10K or bench-pressing your previous max. For many men in this age group, it means a thirty-minute walk a few mornings a week, or a water aerobics class at the local recreation center, or simply going up and down the stairs a few extra times each day.
Older adults can aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, combined with muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days. That sounds like a lot until you break it down: thirty minutes of moderate walking, five days a week, gets you there. A walk on the Manhattan Beach pier counts. A round of golf at a Torrance course counts. Swimming laps at the El Segundo community pool counts.
Regular movement is associated with lower rates of cardiovascular disease, better balance and fewer falls, improved mood, and sharper cognitive function. None of that requires a gym membership.
Overcoming Barriers
Some men over 70 have backed away from physical activity because of pain, a previous injury, or a sense that the body no longer cooperates the way it once did. Many forms of exercise can be adapted for joint issues, reduced balance, or limited stamina.
Chair-based exercise programs are effective when done consistently. Resistance bands offer strength training without the load of weights. Swimming and water walking take significant pressure off joints while still building strength. If you aren't sure where to start, a single appointment with a physical therapist can help you develop a realistic plan tailored to your specific situation rather than a generic recommendation.
Remember to consult a doctor before starting any physical exercise routine or activity.
Finding Motivation
Here's something worth considering: the men who stay active well into their 70s and 80s usually aren't doing it for abstract health reasons. They're doing it because they like being outdoors. Because they want to carry their own groceries. Because they have a friend they walk with on Tuesday mornings in Hawthorne. The social element of physical activity is often the piece that keeps it going long after the novelty wears off.
If there's a sport or activity you always meant to try, or one you put down years ago, summer is a reasonable time to revisit it—lawn bowling, pickleball, cycling on flat coastal paths, or yoga classes designed for older adults. The South Bay has options that suit most interest levels and physical conditions.
A strong summer starts with a single step
Men's Health Month is a good prompt to take stock and make one concrete change, even a modest one. Senior Helpers of LA Beach Cities serves senior men and their families across El Segundo, Hawthorne, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, and Torrance with personalized senior in-home care that supports active, independent living. Contact us to learn how we can help you or your loved one stay engaged and moving this summer.