GYM-FISH, whilst I am only 52 I recognise that I have to stay active to maintain health and well being, and have tailored my exercise equipment accordingly. I have arthritic knees, which rules out running to a large degree, I am also large - that is I weigh about 110k - always have been, always will be, but can only be considered obese in the same way that a fit rugby player could be considered obese - that is on paper from BMI (which is a crock if you ask me). I have a resting pulse of close to 60 and excellent blood pressure for my age.

I use free weights and resistance tubes as I don't have the room for a weight machine - I live in a unit and my 'gym' is located in a study / hobby room that was once the second bedroom. I use a stationary bike, do lots of step ups and a rebounder. Whilst I say 'a rebounder' there are none on the market for someone of my weight - so I use two that fit together concentrically. Yes, this works, and I can work out whilst watching TV.

A rowing machine is a great idea - and when I find one at a suitable price that is designed for heavy usage I will probably buy it. I rowed in my youth and have in recent years taken part in two rowing events as part of school reunion inter-school challenges, as well as assisting in a few learn to row programs. I would suggest that rowing, for those with the time, is probably the best workout available, both cardio and skeletal / muscular.

So if a senior does have the space for one or two machines - probably the bike and a rowing machine would be the ones I would suggest, rather than a weight machine.