Normal pulse rates for adults vary from person to person, and knowing yours can be an important gauge of your heart health, the according to the American Heart Association (AHA). At rest, normal pulse rates for adults, including seniors, are 60-100 beats per minute.For well-trained athletes the normal rate drops to 40-60 beats per minute, the AHA says. If you’re sitting or lying down and you’re calm, relaxed and aren’t ill, you’ll be able to determine your resting heart rate.ome devices can compare your pulse rate to normal pulse rates for adults. If your pulse rate is very low or you have unexplained episodes of a fast heart rate, tell your doctor, who can decide if it's an emergency, the AHA says.