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Learn More: Tools and Tips
Move It or Lose It
Most of your body parts become stronger when you use them. Here's a glimpse at what you can -- and should -- do to make sure your pumps are primed.
| Your Body Part | Use It | Or Lose It |
| Heart | Aerobic exercise increases blood flow and trains your heart. | Without regular aerobic exercise, you may be at an increased risk of heart disease and heart attack. |
| Brain | Exercise your brain. Do crossword puzzles or sudoku, learn a new skill or language, read more. | Without mental calisthenics, your brain loses power and memory as you age. |
| Sex organs, male | Enjoy sexual activity and ejaculation on a regular basis -- with a partner or on your own. A good goal is about 100 ejaculations per year. You're never too old to have good sex. Find out why -- and how. | Low levels of sexual activity may be linked to sexual dysfunction, so don't pass up the chance to have sex, even if you're by yourself. This is particularly pertinent as you age. |
| Sex organs, female | Enjoy sexual activity on a regular basis -- with a partner or on your own. It helps keep everything lubricated, elastic, and in good working order. You're never too old to have good sex. Find out why -- and how. | After menopause, women who are not sexually active may experience more pronounced thinning and drying of the vaginal wall, which could lead to painful intercourse. |
| Muscles | Flex your muscles with resistance training to help maintain lean muscle mass, which decreases as you age. Try this 20-minute workout. | Without building muscle, you lose muscle. It's just that simple. Plus, you're more likely to gain weight (muscle helps speed metabolism), and you'll be at increased risk for osteoporosis. |
| Joints | Keep your joints lubed by walking and generally staying active -- it stimulates the formation of synovial fluid in your joints. | With low -- or no -- movement the production of synovial fluid grinds to a halt, which increases your chances of developing arthritis and other painful joint conditions. |
