Which option represents a reasonable initial exercise for an older adult who is overweight?

• A. Running up and down stairs every day
• B. Complete rest and no exercise
• C. Light walking 3 times per week for a month
• D. Intense interval training

Answer: (C)

Starting exercise for an older adult who is overweight should be low‑impact, gradual, and safe to build a foundation without overloading joints or the heart. Light walking three times a week for a month fits that approach well because it is easy to start, accessible, and allows the body to adapt before increasing intensity. It helps improve cardiovascular endurance, supports weight management, and can be done at a comfortable pace where talking is still possible, which is a good sign you’re exercising at a moderate, sustainable level. After a month, you can slowly lengthen the walks or add brief periods of gentle strength work to build muscle and further boost metabolism. In contrast, running up and down stairs every day is a high‑impact activity that can stress knees and hips; complete rest offers no fitness gain; and intense interval training is too demanding to start safely for someone new to exercise who is older and overweight.