Benefits of Exercise in Elders
The National Institute on Aging mentioned that people of any age should exercise because it can prevent future chronic diseases. Some people say elders should not exercise because it makes them feel tired but actually, specialists say that people that don't exercise usually feel that way because of the lack of it.
Caregivers and younger people should encourage seniors to engage in a more active life, but obviously after they consult a doctor.
Exercise increases strength, helps with coordination, and generates confidence in the patients that practice it, most of the patients experience positive effects.
Sometimes when people think of exercise they think of long hours at the gym and lots of sweat but, stretching and specialized workout routines at home for at least 30 minutes a day are also an option. The goal is that the patients enjoy what they’re doing.
Here are 7 reasons why elders and everyone should exercise:
1. Exercise Increases The Possibility of Living Longer
Swimming, walking, stretching and gentle workout routines are also ways of exercising. Living a sedentary lifestyle is one of the top 10 causes of death and chronic diseases at a young age.
According to the World Health Organization, exercising on a daily basis can increase life expectancy 3 to 5 years.
2. Exercise Gets you Stronger
Elders always complain about pain in their backs, their knees, their hips but, there is a number of ways to reduce the pain, and take your lifestyle back. Exercising or doing some weight training helps muscles to develop and making the bone density thicker and stronger helping seniors maintain their balance and reduce the risks of falling.
3. Exercise Reduces the Risk of Heart Problems
Regular exercise helps to keep arteries and other blood vessels flexible, ensuring good blood flow and normal blood pressure. Additionally, daily activities can increase your blood flow and that’s good for your heart rate to keep working. Aerobic activities, walking, cycling, and even housework are also considered cardio.
4. Stronger Bones
Osteoporosis and fractures are some of the consequences of a sedentary life, that's because as you grow old bones get weak. According to the National Osteoporosis Society, one of two women get fractures because of it. Regular exercise can help increase strength in bones and prevent the development of lesions.
5. Exercises can Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer’s
As we said before exercise and physical activity appeals to coordination, that not only helps your muscles, it also helps your brain and mental health. According to the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, a sedentary lifestyle can increase the chances of getting dementia.
6. Exercise can Delay Diseases
Everyone is aware of chronic conditions and that they get more common with age. There is proof that people that suffer from them usually feel better by doing exercise because it delays the disease development. Patients with arthritis, heart disease or diabetes usually get benefits from regular activity. Exercise is a good way to keep diseases in track, manage cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart diseases.
7. Helps with Confidence and Independence
One of the biggest changes that comes with aging is the loss of independence, elders tend to feel as a burden for their families. As they do exercise most of them will feel with more energy, and have more time for themselves, that will make them feel more confident and help them gain independence.
