Benefits of Exercise for Seniors in Happy Retirement
With age, seniors tend to become more sedentary owing to pain, increased weight, health problems or an increased risk of falling. Plus, there is a natural decline in agility and stamina.
However, getting older does not mean you have to be inactive.
Regular activity can have a positive impact on senior health and wellness, and there are various exercises seniors can try at home. Along with giving them more energy and boosting self-confidence, there are numerous benefits of exercise for seniors. We explore some key ones here.
Let’s jump right in, so to speak!
7 Advantages of Exercising for Seniors
Some of the many benefits that seniors enjoy when exercising regularly are:
1. Decreased Risks Associated with Falling
Falls are serious at any age, but aging adults are more at risk of injury due to decreased bone density and overall strength. They also typically take more time to recover from falls, so it’s best to do things to avoid them.
By having an active lifestyle and exercising, seniors can improve their balance and coordination. Over time, they will also gain muscle strength, all of which goes a long way towards preventing falls.
2. Improved Overall Brain Function
Exercising regularly can help your memory and thinking through both indirect and direct means. This is because when seniors exercise, their brain receives increased blood flow.
Furthermore, exercise stimulates the release of endorphins and reduces stress hormones in the brain. These allow seniors to feel good and be in a happier mood after working out.
3. Reduced Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes
When seniors regularly take part in physical activities and engage in cardiovascular exercises such as cycling or brisk walking, it increases blood flow. This elevates their heart rate and speeds up their breathing. Over time, such exercises can increase their body’s ability to deliver oxygen and nutrients to tissues and remove waste.
When seniors practice the same exercises, they will notice an improvement in their ability to do them. They will also notice it becoming easier to perform everyday tasks without becoming tired or winded quickly.
4. Enhanced Social Wellness
Many seniors find it difficult to maintain an active social life. However, when they exercise in groups, they get to meet others and turn the activity into a group outing within their retirement community.
Whether through an aerobics class, a gardening club, a walking group, exercise can lead seniors to a happier retirement while ensuring they remain fit and healthy. Maintaining social ties is essential for aging seniors, as it gives them a sense of purpose. It also prevents them from feeling lonely or depressed.
5. Diminished Body Fat
Inactive seniors will notice an increase in their body fat. Left unchecked, this can lead to various conditions, including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
On the other hand, when seniors exercise, they increase their metabolism and muscle mass. These physiological changes help them maintain a healthy weight for their build, age and overall health.
6. Improved Gastrointestinal Function
When seniors exercise regularly, their metabolism increases, which promotes the efficient elimination of waste and improves overall digestive health. This makes it necessary for seniors with constipation or slow digestion to work out regularly.
7. Reduced Chronic Illness
Any form of activity for seniors, including exercise, can help fight off the effects of chronic illnesses. These include colon cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. For someone with a chronic condition, exercise can minimize their symptoms.
| Suggestions for Seniors to Get Active |
| ● It’s a good idea for seniors to find activities they enjoy doing and find interesting. This makes them more likely to keep up with a routine and see it as a fun activity instead of a chore.● Begin slowly with low-impact or moderate forms of exercise. It’s better to aim for small improvements.
● When exercising, seniors should check their pulse to make sure they don’t overexert themselves. This can do more harm than good. ● Always drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration. ● Use the right gear when exercising. It’s also important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear. ● For someone over 50 with a sedentary lifestyle and a chronic illness, it’s best to see a doctor before engaging in any exercise. ● Choose safe, comfortable and easy forms of exercise. Great ways to start include cycling, swimming, and walking. ● Seniors should keep track of their progress to understand the difference, which will motivate them to continue. |
Regular exercise can help seniors enjoy happy retirement years. The trick is to start slow and to make it a habit instead of treating it like a chore. By doing a little bit every day, aging adults can keep their overall health and fitness in check. Remember, it’s never too late to work towards improving your health.