It is always the right time to get into better physical fitness.
It is so easy to miss a workout for a day, week, month, or more. There are many benefits of regular exercise for anyone. However, the importance of regular physical activity is even higher for seniors. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of exercising for seniors. We’ll start with the health benefits then look beyond them to the social and cognitive benefits.
1. Exercise Helps Seniors’ Hearts Stay Healthy
Heart health is important at all ages and that importance rises with age. Up to one in four deaths in the US come from heart disease, according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). Seniors are at high risk for heart attacks and may not fully recover from one if they should have one. Cardiovascular exercises can have a big impact on seniors’ overall health. As long as it is regular, the exercise doesn’t need to be intense or daily for it to be effective. Walking, light yoga or stretching, gardening, and dancing are all activities that will help seniors have stronger, healthier hearts.
2. Exercise Helps Improve Bone and Joint Strength
Many seniors experience bone density loss and stiffness in their joints. These health issues can lead to a loss of strength, discomfort, and pain. Seniors can lose as much as 2% of their overall bone mass every year. Even those whose bone density is strong might feel joint stiffness. Every year, doctors diagnose more seniors with osteoporosis, arthritis, gout, lupus, and more. Low impact strength training and range of motion exercises help seniors to avoid bone density loss and joint stiffness.
3. Exercise Can Decrease Seniors’ Fall Risk
Falls are one of the most common accidents for seniors. Every year, up to one in four older adults have a serious fall. Of the 36 million seniors who fall, more than 32,000 ended in death. Many programs correct for these falls through exercise. Focusing on yoga, Tai Chi, and other balance and strength training exercises will help to reduce seniors’ fall risk.
4. Exercise Improves Senior Mental and Emotional Health
So far, we have gone over the physical benefits of exercise for seniors. There are also mental and emotional benefits of seniors taking part in regular exercise. Many Exercise routines stress a repetitive motion - this helps seniors practice remembering a sequence and thus sharpen their memory. Exercising releases endorphins that help to relieve stress, pain, boost a positive mood while preventing depression and anxiety. Additionally, exercise can help seniors get to sleep and sleep soundly for the entire night.
5. Exercise Helps Seniors Stay Social
When seniors’ mobility decreases, they may meet fewer people and feel more isolated. Going to a senior exercise class helps connect the participants with their peers. When in class (plus before and after), seniors may bond with each other based on their similar interests. These connections can lead to a stronger will to live and greater quality of life.
Getting the Best Care for Your Senior
Exercise has so many benefits for seniors - physical, mental, and emotional. These classes or routines can make a big impact on your loved ones life. If your loved one needs extra help with life’s daily tasks, consider a caregiver from National Home Care. Our team of caring professionals will help your loved one manage their daily routines and go where they need to go, including senior exercise classes. Give our team a call today for us to find the right caregiver for your loved one.
