The importance of physical activity for aging adults and seniors

Physical activity has several benefits for people of all ages, such as improved flexibility, a healthier heart, and stronger bones. Aging adults benefit from extra perks if they engage in regular exercises because physical activity lowers the chance of injury, reduces the risk of health issues, and improves mood. 

When people age, their muscle mass starts to decrease, and they can lose around 3-5% of muscle mass every ten years. Muscles are crucial for bone strength and balance because they keep the body strong. Poor-developed muscles can compromise one’s independence and mobility as they wouldn’t be able to engage in the activities they want. 

Physical activity is also important for cognitive function because research shows that brain neurons increase after a couple of months of regular exercise. Scientists also revealed that when people walk more than three times a week, they’re 30% less likely to suffer from dementia than individuals who don’t engage in any kind of physical activity. 

The benefits of physical activity for elders

It prevents disease

Research shows that exercising regularly can prevent a series of common health issues like diabetes and heart disease. Physical activity can improve your immune function, which is crucial if you’re an elder because your immune system can get compromised as you age. Even walking in the park, a couple of times weekly can help you prevent diseases. 

It improves mental health

You get countless mental health benefits if you engage in physical activity regularly. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins that work as stress relievers and make you feel satisfied and happy. Regular physical activity has also been linked to improved sleep, which is vital for elders who experience disrupted sleep patterns and insomnia. So, if you deal with poor mental health or sleep disruptions, consider exercising more, and it may improve your health. 

It lowers the risk of falls

If you’re an elder, your healthcare provider may have already warned you that you’re at a higher risk of falling, which can prove disruptive to your life because they can trigger health problems that restrict your independence. Exercising can improve your flexibility and strength and enhance your coordination and balance, which lowers the risk of falling in the long run. As you age, your body takes longer to recover from injuries, so you should do your best to prevent them in the first place. 

It encourages social engagement

Whether you get a gym subscription, join a fitness class, walk with your friends in the park, or visit a gardening club, physical activity can help you socialize more. Staying social is essential because it provides you with a sense of purpose and enables you to prevent feelings of depression and loneliness. It’s essential to engage in the form of exercise that you love, so you don’t feel it is like a chore. 

It improves life expectancy and quality of life

As stated earlier, if you’re an aging adult who exercises regularly besides improved physical fitness, you also have an enhanced psychological one. Physical activity is known for improving mood, so if you’re dealing with blue days, being more active may help you. 

It prevents dementia

More and more seniors have dementia, a disabling condition that directly affects people’s quality of life. Several mental conditions can trigger dementia, and researchers still have a great need to understand how to prevent and treat it appropriately. Studies so far concluded that physical activity can slow the mental decline in aging adults and reduce the risk of dementia when the individuals perform a regular moderate-intensity exercise. 

The challenges of staying active for seniors

Despite the countless benefits exercising provides to elders, some challenges can also prevent them from including physical activity in their daily routine. 

Before engaging in any form of exercise, get in touch with your physician so they can recommend the type of physical activity beneficial for your health. If you find it challenging to visit their office, you can choose a telehealth solution that allows you to contact them from the comfort of your house. Telemedicine offers countless benefits for elderly patients, and one of the most important ones is that it enables them to get professional healthcare services at home. 

It’s essential to identify the obstacles you may face if you start exercising to develop a healthy routine and feel confident and happy with it. 

Here are some common barriers elders deal with when trying to stay physically active. 

– They don’t know where to find expert support

– They worry they may injure themselves

– They don’t know how to execute exercises in a safe manner

– They lack a social network to encourage them to stay physically active

– They lack motivation

– They think they’re too old to join a fitness center or gym

If you deal with any of the above challenges, contact a fitness professional because they have experience working with seniors, and they can help you build the confidence needed to start your fitness journey. 

Safe exercises for aging adults

You may be afraid to exercise because you have the misconception that physical activity may be too intense or challenging for your fitness level. This is not the case because there are countless types of exercises you can choose from. Even walking and gentler exercises like swimming and stretching can provide you with the presented health benefits. 

Here is a list of ideal exercises for seniors. 

Cardio – a series of low-impact exercises like walking, dancing, water aerobics, and step-ups are gentle on the joints and perfect for elders. 

Strength – strength exercises enable aging adults to stay stable and prevent falls because they support their joints and bones. Low-impact strength exercises are dumbbell exercises, resistance band workouts, and Pilates. 

Balance exercises and stretches – balance exercises and stretching are great at keeping the joints mobile in seniors. The best exercises for elders are Tai Chi, Chair yoga, and balance exercises using a chair. 

Final words

It’s never too late to engage in physical activity. And if you’re a senior looking for ways to improve your health and well-being, the better because regular exercise can provide you with an enjoyable way to prevent medical conditions and enjoy life.