Why is Exercise Important for Seniors?
Imagine a remedy that helps you feel happier, keeps your body healthy, and keeps your mind sharp and clear. It’s not a magic potion—it’s exercise! Here’s exactly why exercise is so important for adults in older age.
Exercise Can Improve Mobility
Do you find it challenging to get out and about due to lower mobility? Or do you find yourself worrying about having a fall? It’s common to experience reduced coordination, balance, and flexibility as we age, which in turn can lead to low mobility and difficulty with movement. But these changes aren’t inevitable! Regular, low-impact exercise can help maintain and even improve your flexibility and mobility well into your later years.
So, how do you incorporate exercise into your routine? Well, experts recommend at least 30 minutes of exercise per day for older adults. If you’re pretty fit and mobile, try taking a long walk or light jog each morning after breakfast. If you live with a physical disability or low mobility, light yoga, tai chi, or water aerobics could be better suited. For wheelchair users or people who have balance concerns, there are a heap of seated exercise routines you can try. Future you will thank you!
Exercise Can Boost Mental Wellbeing
It’s pretty clear that exercise is good for the body. But did you know exercise is great for your mind too? Experts believe that exercise can help form and strengthen the connections in our brains, leading to higher cognitive functioning and improved memory. That’s right—exercise could help ward off dementia and other cognitive impairments! But that’s not all… during a workout, your body releases endorphins that help elevate your mood. So, if you’re feeling blue, go for a brisk walk or a swim in the local pool, and you’re bound to feel better in no time.
Exercise Can Keep Chronic Diseases at Bay
Did you know that regular exercise can help manage, and reduce your risk of many chronic diseases? Conditions such as arthritis, high blood pressure, and diabetes can be better managed with a consistent workout regimen. For instance, gentle stretches or tai chi can ease arthritis pain, while cardio exercises can help in maintaining heart health and managing weight. Think of exercise like a health insurance policy where the premium is a bit of sweat and effort!
You don’t need a fancy gym membership to add some exercise to your routine! Simple activities, whether it’s a morning walk in the park, a swim at the local pool, or even gardening, can do wonders.
Note: always consult your doctor before making any changes to your exercise routine.
Could you use some help with your exercise routine? Here at Simply Helping, we offer a full range of home care services to keep you happy and healthy as you age! We can take you to and from yoga classes with our transport services. Or take you shopping for some new workout gear with our social support! Click here to learn more and contact us today.
