When you are inactive as a senior, you lose strength, your ability to balance, and endurance. To carry groceries and climb stairs takes strength and improving balance can prevent falls. Becoming more flexible may speed healing if you have an injury. Once you make exercise a part of your routine, it will give you a more positive outlook on life, improve your mood, and delay depression.
First, get a check-up and make sure your doctor approves your exercise schedule. Start slowly and set achievable goals. Keep moving all the time, but be realistic in your goal setting. If you have bad balance, then don't attempt anything that will make you fall. Begin with a five or ten minute warm up, such as walking in place.
Some exercises may be as simple as doing ball taps, which lets you sit straight in a chair, without your back touching it, and tap the top of a medium size ball with your toes; lower your foot to the floor and then repeat with the alternate foot. Do each one 12 times. You can also do step-ups using the first step in a staircase. Start with your right foot and step up, then bring up other foot; then step down again. Switch the starting foot and repeat. Be sure to hold on to the rail. Hamstring curls let you hold onto the back of a chair; raise your right foot behind you as though you are kicking yourself and slowly lower it. Repeat with the other foot. Give yourself a rest between each exercise and maybe just exercise every other day. Be sure not to push yourself too hard.
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