What types of exercises are recommended for promoting bone health in older adults?

Weight-bearing exercises such as walking are highly recommended for promoting bone health in older adults. These types of exercises involve activities where the body works against gravity, which helps to stimulate bone formation and retain bone density. When older adults engage in weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, dancing, or hiking, the forces generated during these activities signal the bones to strengthen and adapt, reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures.

In contrast, while cardio exercises can be beneficial for overall cardiovascular health, they may not provide the same benefits for bone density as weight-bearing activities do. High-intensity interval training can improve cardiovascular fitness and strength, but it may not be suitable for all older adults due to the risk of injury, and it usually requires a higher fitness level. Yoga can promote flexibility and balance, but if it does not include weight tasks, it does not effectively stimulate bone density in the same way that weight-bearing exercises can. Therefore, walking and similar weight-bearing activities stand out as the most effective choice for maintaining and improving bone health in older adults.