Exercise and nutrition are essential parts of a healthy lifestyle throughout one's life, and as we age our needs are constantly changing. A growing body of research shows how important regular exercise is, especially for older people, and how older people are choosing an active lifestyle over a sedentary one. This article will show you the benefits of exercise for older adults, the seven best forms of exercise for seniors, and a few exercises that may be harmful to seniors' health.
As we age, our biology changes, causing older people to have different reasons to stay fit than younger generations. Although physical fitness provides benefits at all ages, the health advantages enjoyed by physically fit seniors are more notable. Doctors and researchers say that seniors should stay as active as possible without overexerting themselves. For older adults, exercise helps you live a longer, healthier, more joyful life.
Seniors who exercise regularly are less likely to be dependent on others. According to Harvard Medical School, regular exercise improves older adults' ability to walk, bathe, cook, eat, dress and use the toilet. If self-reliance is a priority, exercise is one of the best ways for older adults to maintain independence.
Falling is a much bigger problem for older adults than for younger people. According to the National Council on Aging, every 11 seconds an older adult is admitted to the emergency room with a fall-related injury, and every 19 minutes a senior dies from a fall. Although no two falls are alike and preventing falls is very complex, regular exercise reduces the likelihood of a fall by 23%.
Although it may seem counter-intuitive, being sedentary tires you out and being active gives you more energy. Any amount of exercise promotes the release of endorphins, essential neurotransmitters linked to pain relief and a sense of well-being. Endorphins fight stress hormones, promote healthy sleep, and generally make you feel more lively and energetic.
Heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, and diabetes are common and often fatal diseases among older adults. Fortunately, adopting a more active lifestyle can contribute to the prevention of these diseases or reduce the unpleasant symptoms of these diseases if they already exist. If you're at risk of disease, exercise may be the key to avoiding an unpleasant condition.
One of the most remarkable developments in health science is the revelation that the mind and body are much more closely connected. A healthy body likely means a healthy mind, and seniors who exercise regularly have improved cognitive health, according to research from NCBI. More recently, a study by the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation showed that regular exercise reduces your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or dementia by about 50%.
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