Great Exercises that Improve Senior Health
May 26 2022
For seniors looking to improve their health and well-being, staying active can make a world of difference. By incorporating exercise and physical activity into their regular routine, seniors can reap countless benefits in both their mental and physical health. Doing so can improve their quality of life and reduce the aches and pains that come with a sedentary lifestyle.
One benefit of exercising is an improved immune function that can help prevent common illnesses such as heart disease and diabetes. Even simple exercises such as walking can help prevent certain diseases. Exercising can also reduce frailty levels among seniors and decrease the likelihood of dangerous falls.
Staying active can also bring positive impacts to the mind. Endorphins from exercising can help relieve stress and make seniors happier. Working out can also improve cognition and help seniors connect with other active adults. Doing so can prevent feelings of isolation or loneliness that can form in old age.
So what are some great exercises for seniors looking to boost their health and well-being? Keep reading to learn more!
Going for a Walk
One of the most beneficial exercises for senior health is also one of the simplest. In fact, walking can provide incredible health benefits for older adults, such as lower blood pressure, lower cholesterol, and reduced joint pain. Incorporating a walk into a daily routine can strengthen muscles throughout the body while helping seniors reduce their risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and colon cancer.
Walking also doesn’t require a gym membership or fancy equipment. To boost these benefits further, seniors can invite friends to join them for a walk to incorporate social components and reduce the likelihood of falling alone on their journey. Great places for seniors to walk include their neighborhood, parks, or even indoors at a local shopping mall.
Swimming
Swimming is an ideal low-impact exercise for older adults. It’s easy on the joints and helps seniors boost their flexibility and range of motion. Furthermore, swimming can help make the heart stronger and improve cardiovascular health and endurance.
Seniors that swim generally have a better sense of balance thanks to being in the water which can reduce their risk of falling when they’re not in the water. For those that suffer from pain during exercise, swimming can be a great option. It does not strain joint pain and makes it easy to benefit from cardiovascular activity.
Yoga
Yoga is an amazing exercise for older adults as it can help them improve their flexibility, balance, strength, and mental well-being. Yoga can actually help prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which leads to weak or brittle bones. It is also a great way to lower stress levels and reap the benefits of breathing exercises that are part of the workout.
By combining movement, stretching, and deep breathing, seniors can reduce their risk of depression and improve their overall mood. Yoga can also help alleviate existing aches and pains that seniors may be suffering from due to arthritis, tight muscles, or other sources of chronic pain.
Body Weight & Strength Training
One of the best tools for seniors looking to exercise is actually their own bodies! Using body weight to work out is an excellent way to keep muscles strong in old age. Seniors that take the time to strengthen their muscles can prevent atrophy and hormonal problems that occur with severe muscle loss.
For those willing to incorporate dumbbells, strength training can bring even more benefits. In fact, strength training can help alleviate the symptoms of many chronic conditions such as diabetes, osteoporosis, and obesity. By incorporating dumbbells, seniors can target specific muscle groups that need to be strengthened and boost their balance and flexibility.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are so many great ways for seniors to improve their health and well-being. For beginners, incorporating a short walk into their daily or weekly routine can be a great way to build up an exercise habit. Seniors with aches and pains can sign up for swimming classes to participate in cardiovascular activities that don’t cause the joints to hurt. Yoga can be wonderful for mental well-being, flexibility, and stress relief. Finally, strength training can help seniors maintain strong muscles and improve their balance and body weight.
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