As we grow older, exercising regularly becomes less about getting a movie star physique and more about our overall health and well-being. Not only do we want to become more physically fit, but we also want to maintain that fitness as we age.
Living a healthy lifestyle is essential at any age, but as we grow older, prioritizing our well-being becomes even more critical. Regular exercise is one of the key ingredients for seniors to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health. Discover why you should make regular exercise a part of your daily life.
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Do seniors need exercise?
All older adults can benefit from regular exercise. Physical activity is an important part of nearly everyone’s everyday health. If you are an older adult, exercise can prolong life and reduce some of the symptoms of aging. While it may be tempting to slow down and take it easy during your golden years; data indicates that routine senior exercise has a number of great benefits.
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What are the benefits for seniors who exercise?
Maintaining regular exercise routines can significantly impact the quality of life for seniors. Exercise for seniors not only enhances physical fitness but also has a positive effect on mental and emotional well-being.
Senior citizen exercise benefits
Prevent disease: Exercise is a proactive way to prevent illness as well as keep it from progressing. Routine physical activity helps control blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and improves blood circulation, reducing the risk of developing disease and ailments.
Improved mental health: There is no end to the benefits exercise has on mental health. Regular exercise produces endorphins. Endorphins act as a stress reliever and create a feeling of contentment and satisfaction. The production of endorphins has the ability to boost mood and enhance mental well-being.
Improved cognitive function: A common fear among aging adults is cognitive decline. The exercise benefits for seniors don’t stop with disease prevention and improved mental health, it also benefits cognitive functioning. Ample amounts of data have provided evidence that physically active individuals are at a reduced risk of dementia. It also increases blood flow to the brain, supporting the growth of new neurons. This leads to improved memory, enhanced problem-solving, increased focus, and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
Improves strength and balance: You might wonder why improving your strength and balance as a senior is a benefit. The answer to that question is that it can help you stay independent and prevent falls. Falls can be a common occurrence and frequently lead to physical decline.
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Eases joint pain and arthritis: Contrary to popular belief, exercise is an effective way to alleviate joint pain and symptoms of arthritis. Low-impact exercises and gentle stretching can improve joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and strengthen the surrounding muscles, providing relief from pain and inflammation.
These are just a few of the many advantages regular exercise can have for seniors. We encourage you to discuss with your doctor and medical professionals how you can safely and effectively implement regular exercise into your daily routine. Haven Health, the best care facility near you, can help get you started.
How often should seniors exercise?
Seniors should aim for around 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, which comes out to approximately 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, along with muscle strengthening exercises on two or more days a week. For added benefits implement some activities that improve balance.
Discover the secret to optimal senior health
Regular exercise is paramount for maintaining a healthy lifestyle among seniors. However, it is crucial for seniors to be mindful of their limitations and listen to their own bodies. It is recommended that you seek professional advice to design an exercise program appropriate for your unique needs. By embracing regular exercise, senior citizens can enjoy improved physical health, increased vitality, and a greater sense of well-being as they age.
Contact Haven Health and discover how we can help put you on the path to a healthier and happier way of life.
References:
Exercise and Seniors. (2022).
Older Adults. (2023).