Staying fit is vital for the whole-body wellbeing of people of all ages, especially seniors. As we age, it’s normal to lose some of the stamina and agility we had in our younger years – but seniors can realize many health benefits from exercising. Even low-impact forms of exercise can make a difference, and it’s never too late to start.
Learn The Holistic Benefits Of Senior Living At Highpoint
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that regular, moderate physical activity is helpful for all older adults – even people with medical conditions including arthritis, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. It’s also been shown that getting active in our older years not only positively impacts physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing.
Here are six of the ways exercise can benefit the overall health of older adults:
- Boosting Immunity: A 2018 study linked moderate exercise with a lower incidence of acute respiratory illness and fewer sick days off of work. Some scientists believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of physical activity enable better immune function. It’s also thought that exercise may improve the performance of immune cells.
- Reducing Cognitive Decline: Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, which could help those with early signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. One study found that participants over the age of 60 showed fewer Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers when they performed 30 minutes of exercise every day.
- Improving Function: A lack of muscle strength impacts mobility and other types of daily function, whether getting up and down from a chair or bed to opening a jar. According to the National Institute on Aging, even very small changes in muscle strength can make a big difference in function, especially lower-body strength exercises which can improve balance and prevent falling and resulting injuries.
- Preventing Bone Loss: Both men and women lose bone density as they age, with post-menopausal women losing up to 2% each year. Strength training counteracts this loss and can actually restore bone density, leading to fewer fractures and also aiding in balance.
- Improving Mood: When we exercise, we produce endorphins which simply make us feel good. Physical activity has been shown to not only promote a sense of wellbeing but also help with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Older adults can realize the mood-boosting benefits of exercise well into old age.
A community like Highpoint at Stonecrest provides convenient opportunities to stay active in mind, body and spirit – not to mention built-in workout buddies to motivate you to stay consistent with a physical fitness routine. The wide variety of classes and activities at our community give residents a chance to have fun, be social and stay fit – all of which promote whole-body wellbeing.