You have heard it repeatedly: physical activity and exercise are right for you, and you should aim to make them part of your routine. Countless studies prove the important health benefits associated with exercise, and it becomes more important as we age. Regular physical activity and exercise for seniors help improve mental and physical health, both of which will help you maintain your independence as you age.
Prevent Disease
Studies have shown that maintaining regular physical activity can prevent many common diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Exercise improves overall immune function, which is essential for seniors as their immune systems are often compromised. Even light exercise, such as walking, can be a powerful tool for preventable disease management.
Improved Mental Health
The mental health benefits of exercise are nearly endless. Exercise produces endorphins (the “feel-good” hormone), which act as a stress reliever and leaves you feeling happy and satisfied. Besides, exercise has been linked to improving sleep, which is especially important for older adults who often suffer from insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns.
Decreased Risks of Falls
Older adults are at a higher risk of falls, which can prove potentially disastrous for maintaining independence. Exercise improves strength and flexibility, which also helps improve balance and coordination, reducing fall risk. Seniors take much longer to recover from falls, so anything that helps avoid them in the first place is critical.
Social Engagement
Whether you join a walking group, go to group fitness classes or visit a gardening club, exercise can be part of a fun social event. Maintaining strong social ties is essential for aging adults to feel a sense of purpose and avoid loneliness or depression. Above all, the key is to find a form of exercise you love, and it will never feel like a chore again.
Improved Cognitive Function
Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine.
Five Myths about Exercise
Myth 1: There is no point in exercising. I am going to get old anyway.
FACT: Exercise and strength training helps you look and feel younger and stay active longer. Regular physical activity lowers your risk for various conditions, including Alzheimer’s and dementia, heart disease, diabetes, colon cancer, high blood pressure, and obesity.
Myth 2: Elderly people should not exercise. They should save their strength and rest.
FACT: Research shows that a sedentary lifestyle is unhealthy for the elderly. Period. Inactivity often causes seniors to lose the ability to do things independently and can lead to more hospitalizations, doctor visits, and medicines for illnesses.
Myth 3: Exercise puts me at risk of falling down.
FACT: Regular exercise will build strength and stamina and prevents loss of bone mass, and improves balance, actually reducing your risk of falling.
Myth 4: It is too late. I am already too old to start exercising.
FACT: You are never too old to exercise! If you have never exercised before, or it’s been a while, start with light walking and other gentle activities.
Myth 5: I’m disabled. I cannot exercise sitting down.
FACT: Chair-bound people face unique challenges but can lift light weights, stretch, and do chair aerobics to increase range of motion, improve muscle tone, and promote cardiovascular health.