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There are endless benefits that come from remaining active. This is especially true for the elderly. If you are reaching the later years in your life, you should add exercise into your daily routine.
Four Types of Exercise
There are four main types of exercises that the elderly can implement, and they each focus on improving different aspects of their physicality.
- The first types of exercises to try are endurance, or aerobic, exercises. These are great for increasing your breathing and raising your heart rate.
- Second, you have strength exercises. These are simply meant to strengthen and tone your muscles.
- Next, you have balance exercises. This type of exercise is especially beneficial for the elderly because it helps them avoid frequent falling.
- Finally, there are flexibility exercises. As you age, your body may become a little stiff, so these exercises are great for keeping your body limber and giving your muscles a good stretch.
Benefits of Staying Active
Remaining active has many benefits for both young and old people alike. However, since the elderly are less likely to remain active, they can gain a lot from physical activity. Some of those benefits include:
- Disease prevention– Routine physical activity is proven to help prevent many common diseases. As seniors are usually immunocompromised, having this routine exercise strengthens their immune function.
- Improved mental health– Exercising lets out “happy” hormones which can leave you feeling good and satisfied. Similarly, physical activity has a link to better sleep which a lot of older adults have a hard time with.
- Socialization- Unfortunately, depression and loneliness are common in older adults. Thus, joining a fitness class can be a frequent and beneficial social event.
- Better cognitive function– Physical activity is related to improved cognitive function. Some studies even show that there is a lower risk of dementia for those who remain physically active.
Best Exercises to Try
Here are a few ways to stay active that are friendly for older bodies.
- Swimming. Swimming is very easy on the joints and bones, but it can strengthen the muscles throughout your body and heart.
- Yoga. Yoga is another workout that is easy on the bones. However, since it is all weight-bearing, you are building strength with every pose that you do.
- Pilates. Pilates is a low-impact strength program that focuses on core stability, which makes it great for seniors.
- Walking. Walking is a free and simple workout that provides all the same benefits without being a structured workout.
- Cycling. Cycling can increase leg strength without running or high-impact workouts. It can be a great activity to include friends and family that will make exercising an enjoyable experience.
Health Insurance Questions?
We hope this information on the importance of seniors exercising is helpful.
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