What exercises help to increase muscle tone as we age?

Thanks for letting me in on your age. The older I get the more I push the "over the hill" age...LOL
I am over 85, and I thought that would be "slow down, danger ahead zone" Not so. It will hit me I am sure, one of these days. Meanwhile, I do NOT exercise everyday, but seem to get away with my two or three times a week. I am in physical Therapy a couple times a week. As my body breaks down, I keep adding PT. The facility is not around the corner, so I would like it to end! If my PT and Zoom class is on the same day, it does tire me out a little more. I have a sleep problem, so I do get tired, but never sleepy. Strange, I know...(long story) It took about three years of "regular" exercise before I could feel and see a BIG daily difference. The nice thing is I can eat like a pig and still stay same the same weight. Less bread, more activity.

Oh, you are such an inspiration for me, Fala. I started out with PT twice a week a year ago to help with the joint and muscle pain from Letrozole (bilateral breast cancer - hormone blocker). PT has helped greatly. So much so, I was removed as a patient and was given a generous offer of the staff continuing to work with me in strength building at no charge. I think they’re just curious as to how much does a woman can do! LOL
The facility is a half hour drive one way, so if there are any errands, I attempt to do them at the same time. And a little 15-30 minute nap in the afternoon helps revive me. I, too, I understand that one day this system will just close down; however, until then fall tilt ahead. 😉

Hello @johncottingham - What a great question! The statistics on decreasing muscle tone in people as they age are alarming, and definitely contribute to falls and injuries, so it is great that you want to take action. Also, when your muscles are weaker, your balance can be affected, and even a short illness or hospital stay can make you weak enough to make recovery and rehab too difficult.

The first step is to check with your primary care provider, to ask if there are any exercises you should avoid due to your own physical conditions. Then, you can check with your insurance company to see if you are eligible for a local "Silver Sneakers" program, where all participants are of Medicare age, and programs are designed to accommodate some of the conditions that come with aging. Some communities also offer dedicated programs.

If you want to pursue a home program the two of you can do together, you can take a look at these examples.
Be sure your balance is as good as possible first:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9xsYEzYNrE
Then begin some basic strengthening exercises that don't require a gym or special equipment:
https://www.silversneakers.com/blog/strength-training-for-seniors/
And basic Chair Yoga (this is a lot more challenging than it sounds):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1DYH5ud3zHo
Finally, if you want to do some (light) weight training:
https://www.livestrong.com/article/110562-dumbbell-exercises-seniors/

Do any of these ideas give you a place to start? I'll be very interested to hear what you choose to try.
Sue

I admire what you are doing to keep fit. Nevertheless, I have much to do in my home! I go up and downstairs, picking up, keeping order, keeping a supply of everything I need and keeping in touch with the family on a regular routine. I exercise about three times a week on zoom.
I starting exercising about 4 years ago, on a regular basis. I do see a difference, but I think it depends on your age. Going up and down the stairs is still a little "testy". Do you mind telling me how old you are?

Thanks for home exercise tips. Covid is still with us! I’m 84, have a chronic lung disease. Almost all the advice following yours said go to a gym , church program, etc. do one of these advice givers worry about breathing deeply, unmasked in a room with a group doing same? I know I would do better in a class as I always did pre-Covid, but now I’m trying to figure out a risk/benefit. Any advise?

Where do you find the Zoom exercise groups, can you share a link? I have been trying to set this up for 'ages'.

Like you, I have not been back to the health club, nor do I think it will happen soon. I will be looking for a facility that operates classes in a wide-open gymnasium type place with high ceilings, plenty of room for spacing & good air flow. Unfortunately, with the high value of real estate here, those places have been replaced by smaller clubs, with tiny low-ceiling "studios" for classes.
Sue

I belong to a Planet Fitness where I work out (it's open 24 hrs four days/week and til 9PM the other three days). I work out on my own though there are trainers for a fee (initial session is free). Come to think of it, I think there are classes too.

Cost: $10/month plus a once a year fee of $39. If I were to describe its physical layout, it would be what you wrote verbatim.

On that account, I've continued to work out through COVID except for a period during which they were obliged to close.

I'm 76 and without this gym, I would definitely have lost tone and gained weight.

There are MANY branches throughout the country.