5 Reasons Seniors Should Stay Active

Staying active isn’t just for the young! Seniors can enjoy the many benefits of staying active as well. Not only are there significant health benefits there is also an improvement to their social wellbeing, which reduces the risk of the elderly person becoming isolated.

Active seniors, those over 60 who have a consistency of fitness activity, have been shown to have a higher quality of life. Exercise can help reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, and heart disease, which are all more likely to develop in inactive seniors. Studies have also indicated that more physically active seniors are less likely to experience depression or other mental health issues. This is attributed, in part, to the release of feel-good brain chemicals from exercise. Moreover, independence in seniors can be maintained through physical activity.

Growing older doesn’t mean you have to slow down and give up on your health, it just means you may need to make some changes to the ways you exercise and the types of exercise you partake in as you age. Some exercises are better than others for older people, such as low impact exercises as opposed to high impact exercises.

Activities that stay the same or are easy to modify such as walking are good, as well as swimming as it is easier on your joints. Group exercise classes are also great for people of all ages and can be modified accordingly to fit your needs. There are a variety of exercises to choose from, just make sure you explore what your body is able to do and it will be great.

There are several significant benefits for aging individuals to remain active. This blog post will explore 5 key factors that will improve by staying active.

1. Supports the Immune System

Exercise improves the function of the immune system by increasing blood circulation, decreasing stress, and providing the body with the nutrients it needs to function properly. The immune system needs a good diet, rest, and exercise to fight. It has been shown to improve the immune system by reducing the likelihood of colds and illnesses in seniors.

2. Decreases Joint Pain

Exercise can help to maintain healthy joints and muscles and decrease the risk of injuries. It can also help the body absorb the nutrients it needs for healthy joint function and help fight off pain. In seniors exercise decreases joint pain by decreasing inflammation, swelling, and stiffness.

3. Promotes Heart and Cardiovascular Health

Research suggests physical activity can not only keep seniors healthy and independent — but may be the single best treatment for heart and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

Exercise has been shown to be a powerful way to promote heart health in seniors. Exercise strengthens the heart muscle and improves blood flow. Some studies have shown that seniors can cut their risk of heart disease by half with just twenty minutes a day of exercise. Staying active is the key to living a long and healthy life.

4. Increases Bone Density

Exercise improves bone health in seniors by strengthening the muscles and connective tissue, which support the bones. Aerobic exercise leads to increased bone density and weight-bearing activities increase how much bone mass is gained. Some examples of weight-bearing activities include walking, gardening, and climbing stairs.

5. Improves Mental Clarity and Focus

Exercise improves mental clarity and focus because it increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain. It is especially important for seniors because it helps them perform activities of daily living, reduces the risk of falling, and strengthens their heart.

Concluding Remarks

Overall working out just makes you feel better. It improves your energy levels, maintains muscle, helps to prevent disease, and increases your mental clarity. In seniors exercise is especially important to fight off disease, decrease joint pain, and strengthen the immune system. As well, it creates an opportunity for social interaction and helps to prevent isolation.