5 Important Reasons Why Seniors Should Perform Exercises
As we age, we tend to reduce physical activities. This may be due to some health issues, sedentary life, or not finding the energy to get involved in exercises.
While you may be concerned about sustaining an injury or falling while exercising because of your age, the fact remains that exercises can do a world of good for everyone, especially seniors.
Studies have proven that being active can increase one’s longevity. And this is not to mention that it keeps you fit and active so that you get to enjoy everyday activities.
Getting regular exercises can improve your lipid profile, blood pressure, osteoporosis, and a bunch of other health issues.
Let’s take a look at why exercises are good for seniors.
Importance of staying active
There are many reasons you should exercise even as you age. Here are just a few of them.
Decreases the impact of chronic disease
Exercising improves your immune system so that you have better chances of fighting off sickness. People with high blood pressure find that their numbers decrease after a good moderate exercise. It is also great for the digestive system, helps the heart to function better and, wards off heart disease. Exercising also helps in managing diabetes, osteoporosis, obesity, and many other health challenges.
Helps to maintain healthy body weight
Exercise is good for everyone, but most especially seniors. As you age, your metabolism slows down, which is why many seniors pile up a lot of weight. A great way to keep excess weight off and maintain healthy body weight is by performing exercises. Just 30 minutes of exercise 3-5 times a week will help you achieve this. Adding some strength training to it will improve your muscle mass and melt those fats away. You can find more benefits of exercising for seniors on healthcreeds.com
Improves brain function
Exercise has a lot of effects on the brain. Memory loss is one thing that many seniors experience as they advance in age. If you want to prevent memory loss or make it get better, exercise is the right way to go. Your brain also gets the added benefit of multitasking. Seniors with brain disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can get some help from exercising.
Improves strength and bone health
Exercising is particularly important for maintaining bone health in seniors. Just like exercise can improve muscle mass, it is great for making bones stronger. When your bone receives constant force, especially from exercise, it builds more cells and also becomes denser.
Prevents falls
One thing many seniors are afraid of is falling. Who would blame them; falling at an older age increases the chances of sustaining a major injury. Just like we mentioned above, exercise improves bone health so that the low bone density is replenished. Exercising can also help you improve your balance so that you don’t trip over easily as you age.
Ways you can incorporate exercises into your daily activities
*Take the stairs instead of the lifts
*Play some table tennis
*Lift your grandkids whenever you can
*Go for evening strolls
*Use the treadmill while watching your favorite TV show
Final Thoughts!
Regular physical activity is great for everyone, but most importantly for seniors. It offers a lot of health benefits that you can take advantage of.
You may have some health issues that inhibit your ability to carry out some exercises. But don’t be too hard on yourself; do the ones you can safely do.
And always remember that a little exercising is much better than none.
