It doesn’t have to mean that you become less active. It doesn’t matter how old you are or what stage of life you live in, exercise is an essential part of healthy aging. If there’s no risk of injury to your joints, any type of exercise can be done by seniors. Seniors with physical disabilities can still exercise to stay healthy and happy.
Elders can lose strength in four key areas, which are essential for being healthy and independent. Different activities can aid elderly people in maintaining and/or restoring functionality in each of these key areas.
Many types of exercise are available, with each having its unique benefits.
Cardiovascular exercises: As the name suggests, cardiovascular exercise is good for your heart. They get your blood pumping and raise your heart rate.
Cardio exercises include walking, swimming, light cycling or hiking.
Strength training: Increasing your strength can help you do everyday activities more easily and make it easier to stay mobile for longer periods of time.
Examples of good strength training include tai-chi, yoga and pilates.
Balance Training: Exercises in this area are especially important for seniors because they improve muscle strength, prevent falls, and are more beneficial to the body.
Balance training is possible with resistance training using light weights and weight machines.
Recent studies have shown that older adults who exercise regularly after age 70 experience fewer age-related mental declines. Numerous studies show a strong link between exercise and mental decline in older age. However, it’s important to not only be physically active but also to stay active.
Some studies even show that exercises can help reverse the negative effects of aging on brain capacity by creating new brain cell – although research in this area is ongoing, it’s possible to improve the mental ability in senior citizens.
Exercising has many benefits beyond its well-documented health and medical advantages. It can help you keep up with your grandchildren, your family and friends and make it easier to be more involved in the community. You can also increase your energy and mobility by exercising. No matter your motivation, seniors who are active will reap numerous benefits that can positively affect all areas of their lives.
Before you begin any type of exercise, make sure to consult your physician.