It would be tragic if people read this article without looking at any research.

No doubt aerobics and stretching are important, but the idea of publishing something like this in the midst of an explosion of research on the CRUCIAL need for people in their 70s and 80s to do some kind of strength training is absurd.

Do you want to prevent falls?

Do you want to lessen the chance of waking up every morning with aching joints, barely able to move?

Surprise! Aerobics, and even stretching (though those are important too) won't make as much of a difference as strength training.

Having said that, I agree you have to pay attention to what your body needs. I started using dumbbells when I was 11 and have done them all my life.

About a year ago, I realized I was putting off my strength training routine.

I realized, my body just doesn't like using dumbbells any more.

So I use body weight exercises and resistance bands. Ok, so I'm only 70 but I know people in their 90s still doing all of these exercises.

PLEASE don't follow these suggestions - they're recipes for worsening many of the problems older people experience that can be substantially reduced by a full, integrated exercise program.