You should do as much as your body and general health allows. The big question is how much are you willing to do?

When your body no longer functions on the level that it did when you were younger, exercise can be frustrating and discouraging. You must want to do it, make a commitment to doing it, and be consistent in your effort.

Walking once in a while is technically exercise, but it won’t do much for your health long term.

A good way to start is to buy a pedometer, set a goal of the number of steps you think are doable and take your first walk. For example, your goal could be a 1000 steps a day or one trip around the block – whatever works for you. Then, stay with that goal until it feels comfortable and then, up the game a little. Move to 1500 steps a day or twice around the block. . . and so on. The key is to walk every day,

You will probably have to push yourself to stay with it. Some days you won’t want to walk, but do it anyway. It pays off in the long run

Stamina and energy will begin to increase and getting yourself up and out the door becomes a little easier with time. You may not ever love doing it, but you will love how much better you feel.

In my area there is a really nice recreation center with an excellent walking track in an air conditioned building – perfect for those of us that do not do well in extreme heat or extreme cold.

They also have a variety of exercise machines that are not too difficult and can be fun. Some people prefer that kind of exercise to walking.

For those who are more robust and fairly physically fit, there are also weights, a basketball court, and handball courts, Check your area to see what is available.

If nothing is available, walk outside every day that you can!

It’s more fun if you have a walking buddy. I unfortunately do not have one, but I walk anyway.

After 6 months, I am walking between 4000 and 5000 steps a day. My goal by the end of next year is 8,000 steps a day – ambitious for an 81-year-old, but I can do it. How about you?