Your body biology is going to change as you age, which is why seniors need to stay in shape even more compared to the younger generations. Physical fitness is going to benefit everyone no matter the age, but the benefits are more notable with age. Researchers and physicians advise seniors to be as active as possible, but they need to be careful so they don’t overextend themselves. Exercise is going to help seniors live healthier, longer, and more joyous life. Click here for help with mobility to keep you active.
Below are some of the benefits of exercising later in life:
Seniors who regularly exercise are less likely to depend on others. Regular exercise is good for them because it promotes their ability to bathe, walk, eat, cook, use the restroom, and dress. Exercise is a good way for seniors to maintain their independence, especially if self-reliance is their priority.
Improves balance
Older adults have to worry more about falling down compared to younger adults. According to the National Council of Aging, one older adult is admitted to the ER for injuries coming from a fall every 11 seconds, and every 19 minutes there is a senior dying from a fall. The falls are not the same and it is very complicated to prevent a fall. Exercising is a good tool that is going to reduce the risk of falling by 23%.
More energy
This can seem counter-intuitive, but you can be tired by being inactive. You will have more energy if you are active. Exercising will promote the release of endorphins, which are linked to a sense of well-being and pain mitigation. Endorphins are going to help deal with stress hormones, have better sleep, and also feel more energetic.
Prevents and counteracts disease
Osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, and depression as some of the common diseases in seniors and they can be deadly. Having a more active lifestyle is a good way of preventing such diseases or reducing the symptoms of the diseases for those who have them. If you are at risk for a disease, you should exercise because it is going to keep the condition away. You can talk to your doctor about it.
Improves brain function
One of the best things that have happened is the revelation that the body and mind are much more closely linked than thought before. Having a healthy body means having a healthy mind. Seniors who exercise regularly have seen an improvement in their cognitive health, according to research done by NCBI. There was also a study done by the Alzheimer’s Research and Prevention Foundation that found regular exercise reduces the risk of Alzheimer’s or dementia by nearly 50%.