Why Physical Activity Is Important for Older Adults
Regular exercise is important for everyone but it gets more important as we age. Countless studies have proved that physical activity is important for both physical and mental health. Here are some of the most important reasons why older adults need to exercise regularly.
1. A Longer Life
Physical activity may help older adults live longer. According to studies by the World Health Organization, a sedentary lifestyle is one of the major causes of death among senior adults. Regular exercise can improve bone density and muscle strength. It improves balance and lowers the probability of falls and disability.
Regular exercise may lower the likelihood of getting hip fractures by up to 40 percent. Even the gentlest exercises like walking can improve one’s lifespan by up to five years.
2. Weight Management
Maintaining a healthy weight gets more difficult as we grow older. Regular exercise can help older adults burn excess calories and maintain their ideal weight. While it may not be practical for them to perform intense exercises that burn lots of calories, they can take advantage of mild exercises, therefore, elderly exercise pedals may be a great investment. There are lots of simple exercises that can be performed without having to visit a gym.
3. Preventing or Delaying Diseases and Health Conditions
Regular exercise may prevent or delay the onset of age-related health conditions. Light housework, walking, cycling, and other types of cardio exercises improve the heart rate. They promote the flow of blood to the heart and improve general health. Being active promotes high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and lowers unhealthy triglycerides. It may lower your risk of type 2 diabetes, arthritis, cancer, stroke, and high blood pressure. Exercise can help older adults retain and improve their cognitive function as well.
4. Introducing Some Spark Into Your Sex Life
Old age comes with low energy levels, a lower libido, and reduced confidence about one’s physical appearance. However, exercise can make things better. It improves your appearance, confidence, and energy levels, so older men who exercise regularly are unlikely to have erectile dysfunction and older women who exercise are more aroused.
5. Lower Risk of Dementia
Exercise reduces the risk of dementia in older adults. According to a study in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, those who lead a sedentary lifestyle are likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease earlier than those who exercise regularly.
6. Improved Independence and Confidence
According to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, senior adults who exercise regularly are more confident and independent. They have more balance and can perform regular activities without the fear of falling. They are confident in their physical appearance and ability to live life with minimal help. Exercise may improve their general quality of life.
7. It Is Fun
Older adults do not go out and exercise may be a great excuse to meet new people and have fun. Fun exercise options include cycling, dancing, and swimming. They are a chance to unwind and connect with family and friends.
Exercise offers an emotional lift. It is a great way to blow off some steam after a hard day and stimulate the production of endorphins. They are pain and stress-relieving chemicals that lower anxiety and leave you feeling relaxed and happy.
8. Building Muscle
Your muscle fibers reduce with age and research suggests that you may lose an average of 3 kg of lean muscle every ten years from when you reach middle age. Old age mostly affects ‘Fast-twitch’ muscles. They control speedy contraction and strength. Regular exercise can prevent muscle loss as it is linked to a sedentary lifestyle rather than age.
9. Improved Lungs and Heart Health
Exercise, no matter how moderate, can improve the health of your heart and lungs, especially during old age. If you exercise at 70 percent of your maximum heart rate regularly, your risk of getting heart and lung-related problems is lowered.
Even though cardiorespiratory fitness is more difficult to achieve in senior adults than in younger ones, the benefits are the same.
In conclusion, exercise is very important for older adults. About half of the decline that comes with old age is caused by a lack of physical activity. People aged 65 and over need to exercise more than other age groups. Regular exercise can prevent high blood pressure, cancer, diabetes, and arthritis. It can improve your confidence, independence, and sex life. It is never too late to start exercising and the benefits remain the same no matter how old you may be. When unsure of the right exercise options, consider seeking the opinion of a professional.
