Exercise constitutes an integral part of everyone’s everyday health. It doesn’t hold true only for the youngsters and adults, but for the senior citizens. According to experts, seniors should always aim to be as active as possible. For the elderly, there are many benefits of exercise. Physical activity for them is the key to a long and healthy life.
Below-listed benefits highlight the importance of exercise for seniors.
Prevention of Bone Loss
Men and women may lose bone density as they age. Women lose up to 2 percent bone density after menopause. Strength training is considered to counteract such loss and restore bone density.
Having stronger bones means fewer fractures. It further aids in balance. When there is no risk of injuries, the elderly live long.
Alleviation of Osteoarthritis Pain
It may sound counterintuitive to some, but moving more may help lessen the pain and stiffness associated with arthritis. Arthritis-friendly exercises can be introduced to their routine to feel fitter.
According to many health experts, various movements take pressure off the aching joint by strengthening the surrounding muscles. More engagement in physical activity also helps ease joint inflammation and increase lubrication, thus reducing stiffness and pain.
Management of Chronic Disease
Exercise or any physical activity provides a protective layer against chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, colon cancer, hypertension, and obesity.
If a senior citizen is already experiencing any chronic condition, physical activity may minimize their symptoms and help to manage their problems. Staying physically active also reduces cognitive decline. According to a recent study, participants over 60 years showed fewer Alzheimer’s disease when they performed 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Better Immunity
Another advantage of exercise for the elderly is that it boosts their immunity. Various light exercise movements support the immunity system, and many studies and research have given the nod to the same.
According to some scientists, the anti-inflammatory effects of physical activity may enable immune function. Exercise is equally helpful in improving the performance of the body’s immune cells.
Improved Mood
Senior citizens often get cranky over little things, owing to their growing age. But do you know performing exercise regularly may remove such irritation and crankiness and enhance their moods?
Exercise makes everyone feel good. If your elderly family member is experiencing the symptoms of depression or anxiety, performing regular exercise may ease them, thus offering relaxation and creating an overall sense of well-being. A study in 2019 has laid down that men aged 65 and older have experienced mood-boosting benefits of exercise.
What are the Best Exercises for the Elderly?
Motivating the elderly family members to perform exercise or any other physical activity is not a task anymore. You can engage them in various movements and exercises such as seniors chair exercises, walking, stretching, etc. We have listed down a few.
- Yoga is a low-impact activity that won’t strain the joints of the elderly. It also helps build muscles, stabilize the core, and improve flexibility. Enroll your senior family member in an introductory yoga class to stay healthy.
- Like yoga, Pilates also offers an effective workout while being gentle on the joints. Pilates focuses on building a strong core to improve stability and balance.
- Adding endurance activities such as aerobic exercises is another best way for the elderly to stay fit and healthy in the long run. Thirty minutes a day is enough for them to perform aerobic exercises.
- Easy, low-impact bodyweight training can also be performed under the supervision of an instructor to maintain their overall fitness.
Takeaway
Exercise does lead to a healthy lifestyle, reduces fatigue and more energy, and keeps chronic diseases at bay. Now that you know many advantages, it’s time to push your elderly family members toward a healthy lifestyle.
