Why Seniors Should Stay Active as They Age (7 Reasons)

There may be numerous reasons why a senior might move slower and become more sedentary in their daily life. These may include health-related issues like pain or weight gain.

However, as we age, it becomes more important to engage in an active lifestyle.

According to this article, physical activity reduces the risk of mortality-related factors such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension, coronary heart disease, cancer, stroke, and high cholesterol. Researchers noticed a 30 to 35% decrease in overall mortality in seniors who led a sedentary lifestyle.

Moving around more can boost energy levels and ensure you maintain your independence. It can also manage pain and symptoms of illness while protecting your heart. Moreover, by exercising regularly, your memory, mood, and mind will also improve and be in better shape.

If you’re still not entirely sold on the idea, read this post by experts at our assisted living facility in Niagara Falls. It will give you a better understanding of the importance of different activities on both your physical and mental health.

Great Reasons for Seniors to Stay Active 

Here are some reasons for aging seniors to stay active, even after they have retired and chosen assisted living services.

1. It Prevents Bone Loss 

Women and men both generally lose bone density as they age, and women can face up to 2% bone loss each year post-menopause.

Strength training is the best way to deal with this, as it can counteract this loss and help restore it. Strengthening bone density allows for fewer fractures in case of falls and helps seniors maintain better balance. This enables them to live independently longer and successfully avoid injuries.

2. It Enhances Cardiovascular and Respiratory Functioning 

By engaging in physical activity, seniors can lower their risk of high blood pressure and different types of heart disease. Strong airways and lungs and a healthy heart ensure efficient bodily functioning. Hence, they are better equipped to ward off disease-causing invaders and reduce the chances of sickness.

3. It Maintains Muscle Mass 

As we age, we lose muscle mass more rapidly than when we were younger. But it’s vital to maintain and strengthen our muscles, as this helps prevent falls and injuries. It also helps improve hormonal and metabolic imbalances and support the immune system.

However, it’s important to work with experienced professionals, as they can create routines that are suitable for each person’s age and mobility levels. Plus, they will also be able to address any short- or long-term injuries that might make everyday functions challenging.

4. It Promotes Sleep 

Aging seniors who lead a sedentary lifestyle may find it difficult to get quality sleep. As a result, they will wake up feeling more tired and remain groggy throughout the day.

By adding various aerobic exercises into their daily routine, seniors can sleep deeper and more easily. This is possible as physical activity raises our core body temperature and encourages rest as we start cooling down. By working out a few hours before bed, you will be able to drift off to sleep and wake up feeling relaxed and refreshed.

5. It Promotes New Neural Connections 

Many seniors are as afraid of getting Alzheimer’s as they are of cancer. And researchers have known since 1999 that the human brain can continue making new neural connections and learning new skills, regardless of age.

They believe that by staying active, the mind remains engaged and better able to form new neural connections that support healthy brain activity.

6. It Relieves Osteoarthritis Pain 

Although this may sound counterintuitive, it can be beneficial for someone suffering the stiffness and pain of arthritis to move around more. There are numerous safe, arthritis-friendly exercises that a professional can recommend for seniors. These may include strength training, low-impact cardiovascular activity, and range-of-motion exercises. They work by taking pressure off joints, which strengthens the surrounding muscles. Moreover, regular physical activity can ease joint pain and inflammation and aid in joint lubrication; this, in turn, reduces stiffness and pain.

7. It Improves Gastrointestinal Function 

Exercising regularly can boost a senior’s metabolism and aid in efficient waste elimination by encouraging digestive health. Being physically active is therefore a great way to deal with constipation and slow digestion among seniors.

The stronger, healthier, and more active you are as you age, the less likely you are to suffer major or minor injuries. Exercise is good for the brain, heart, lungs and digestive tract along with the muscles and bones. So, it should be a no-brainer for any aging adult to remain active and fit. If you are looking for more information on this topic, contact the experts at our assisted living facility in Niagara Falls and schedule an appointment.