As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent or delay many of the health problems that come with age. It also helps your muscles get stronger, allowing you to continue your daily activities without becoming addicted to others. Exercise has countless benefits for people of all ages, including a healthier heart, stronger bones, and improved flexibility.
There are additional benefits for seniors, such as the fact that regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic illness, reduces the risk of injury, and can even improve mood. It may seem too late to atone for a lifetime without sport. That’s absolutely not true, says Dutta. Studies have found that even for people in their nineties who live in nursing homes, starting a workout routine can increase muscle strength.
Other research shows that starting exercise late can reduce the risk of health problems such as diabetes and improve symptoms. It’s really never too late to start training and reap the benefits, Dutta tells WebMD. Seniors aged 65 and over should receive at least 2.5 hours of moderate aerobic exercise (such as brisk walking) every week. Exercise improves overall immune function, which is important for seniors as their immune systems are often compromised.
In addition, exercise has been linked to improving sleep, which is particularly important for older adults, who often suffer from insomnia and disturbed sleep patterns. Regular physical activity and exercise for seniors help improve mental and physical health. Both help you maintain your independence as you age. WHO exercise recommendations include aerobic exercise and strength exercises as well as balance exercises to reduce the risk of falling. Consult your doctor if you are over 50 years old and are not used to exercising before you start exercising.
Exercise is a planned, structured, and repetitive subcategory of PA that serves as a final or intermediate goal of improving or maintaining physical fitness. For optimal effect, the elderly person must adhere to the prescribed training program and follow the overload principle of training, i.e.
References:
- https://www.agingcare.com/articles/exercise-benefits-for-the-elderly-95383.htm
- Exercise and Seniors – familydoctor.org
