We all know the benefits of taking some form of exercise. But, as we age, it can become more difficult for us to continue on with the exercises we used to do. We are not as strong or as agile as we once were. Just because we can no longer run a marathon, it doesn’t mean we can’t still benefit from regular exercise. In fact, it’s a great way to keep your mental and physical health in check.
If you have not taken any type of exercise for an extended period of time, be sure to check with your medical professional to make sure you are okay to do so, or if there are certain types of exercises you should avoid.
Benefits of Exercise for Older Adults
Types of Exercises for Seniors
In order to stay active and reap the benefits of regular exercise, don’t overdo it. Consider daily walks, yoga, swimming, stationary bikes, small weights, and other types of strengthening exercises, like resistance bands.
Always check with your doctor or medical professional first and start out slowly. Don’t do too much at first and ease your way in. If you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately.
Keep Weight in Check
Regular exercise, even a daily walk, can help keep your weight down. As we age, we do tend to move less and this can cause our weight to increase. Any type of exercise that allows your heart rate to go up will help your body burn calories.
It can also help you eat less and even choose healthier foods. Sitting on the couch watching television often leads to snacking on junk food. Once you have an exercise routine, you will find you eat less and no longer crave unhealthy snacks.
Improves Your Strength and Balance
As your muscles stretch and strengthen, it also helps to improve your balance. This is vital for aging adults, as it helps to prevent falling. Keeping up your strength allows you to continue doing all the things you usually do.
It’s not uncommon for muscles to lose strength when they are not in use. A few stretches and even light exercise is enough to keep you strong, which in turn helps with your balance.
Losing our balance, even slightly, can not only cause injury, but it can instill a fear of falling. When this happens, people tend to stop doing their daily activities simply out of fear.
Prevents Diseases
Regular exercise can help to boost your immune system, your heart rate, and your blood flow. This alone can help prevent heart disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
The more you exercise, the better you feel and the more energy you will have. Even after a few weeks of daily exercise, you will notice a difference. Staying active is a great way to keep healthy and keep disease at bay.
Better Sleep
A good night’s sleep is key to how you perform throughout your day. If you are not getting enough sleep or you have uneasy sleep, exercise will help you sleep much better.
A bit of fresh air and exercise will help increase your metabolism and that burns calories. It can help increase your appetite, and at night, you will feel like you have earned a full night’s rest.
Don’t perform heavy exercise before bed, but do consider a good stretching session or some type of yoga stretches. This can be very relaxing and help your muscles stretch out and allow oxygen in.
Better Mood
It is not uncommon for older adults to start feeling blue. They may be on their own, don’t have any family around, and may be quite isolated from their friends and community.
A walk through the park or even around your neighborhood can help greatly. Get out and see people enjoying themselves in the park, kids playing, the sun shining, and all that your community has to offer.
Exercise helps to release endorphins, which is a chemical that improves mood and makes you feel happy. It isn’t a cure for depression, but it can certainly help improve your overall mood and outlook on life.
Social Skills
A great way to get exercise and increase your social circle is to join a gym or group of people who participate in an activity you also like. Take a class at your local gym or the YMCA, join a walking club, or do Tai Chi in the park.
Exercising with a friend is a great way to ensure you both get out and do it on a regular basis. It gives you something in common that you can participate in and talk about afterward.
Ensuring Safety with Medical Alert Systems
Safety is of utmost importance for seniors who engage in physical activity. A medical alert system can play a crucial role in providing peace of mind by ensuring access to assistance during emergencies. Whether it’s a sudden fall, injury, or health crisis, a medical alert system enables seniors to quickly summon help, with just the press of a button.
Embracing Active Aging
Regular exercise offers a multitude of benefits for seniors, ranging from physical health improvements to enhanced mood and social engagement. By integrating gentle, enjoyable activities into their daily routine, older adults can preserve their independence, vitality, and overall quality of life. It’s important to recognize that it’s never too late to start reaping the rewards of a more active lifestyle.