Walking is the most accessible exercise for older adults and requires no equipment. Thirty minutes at a moderate pace five days a week covers the minimum cardiovascular health recommendation. Swimming and water aerobics are excellent for people with joint pain because buoyancy reduces impact.
Resistance training is particularly important after 60 because muscle mass decreases at approximately one percent per year without deliberate effort. Bodyweight exercises and resistance bands done twice a week preserve strength. Balance exercises such as tai chi have strong evidence for fall prevention.