It is commonly known that physical activity is essential for promoting overall health – making it mentally, physically and emotionally beneficial to the body. Incorporating daily exercise into your routine can assist in aging gracefully, especially when started early in life. There are endless studies that have come to the same conclusion: exercise is essential for the body and becomes more important the older we get. In this article, we will outline the various benefits that exercise and different types of physical activities offer for the aging body.
1. Reduce the Risk of and Prevent Disease
Research shows that some diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, can be prevented by maintaining a regular exercise schedule. Regular physical activity can help improve immune function which is important for older adults who may have a compromised immune system. Partaking in daily light exercise like a guided workout video in your living room or taking a brisk walk can be a powerful tool for aging adults.
2. Improve Mental Health
Physical activity has been known to reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, which has been known to develop in older adults who become socially isolated. Exercise can help cultivate endorphins (the feel good hormones) in the brain which ultimately alleviates stress. Exercise can leave older adults feeling refreshed, satisfied, confident and happy. The perfect concoction of feelings for healthy aging.
3. Decrease the Risk of Falls
Exercise is a great tool to help maintain and grow strength and balance – two important factors when trying to maintain independence. It is known that older adults can be at greater risk of falls which can result in disastrous and unforgiving complications. Regular exercise can help older adults improve strength and flexibility which will also result in better coordination and balance.
4. More Opportunity to Engage Socially
Whether it is joining a senior swim club, yoga class or walking group, exercise is a great way to stay socially engaged with family and friends while building new friendships along the way. Not only is physical activity important for healthy aging, so is socializing. Staying socially engaged helps promote good mental health and reduces the risk of anxiety and depression in aging adults.
5. Improve Cognitive Ability
An important benefit to partaking in regular physical activity is its ability to promote cognitive function in the brains of older adults. Cognitive decline is not uncommon in the senior community due in part to the common habit of social isolation. It may be a little too easy to isolate in the comfort of one's home but that is a big “no-no” when it comes to cognitive health. Studies show that regular exercise and improved motor-skills, which is a function that requires specific movement of the body's muscles to complete a task, can greatly improve cognitive function in the aging mind. It is also observed that older adults who incorporate a workout routine into their daily routines may reduce their risk of developing age-related dementia.
Physical activity is an important practice to incorporate into your life no matter your age. The benefits are endless and there is never an age limit on when you can or cannot engage in physical activity. These benefits greatly improve the aging experience and benefit the overall health of your body. It is never too late to start to change your life to benefit your health! Just keep moving!
Interested in learning more about a healthy senior lifestyle? Click here! Or, find healthy recipes: here!
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