If you think that exercise is only necessary for young people, you are mistaken. With age comes muscle weakness, which is why regular exercise should be an essential part of a senior citizen’s routine.
From improved sleep to reduced stress, exercise offers many benefits to aging adults and seniors:
Benefits of Exercise for Seniors
1. Reduces Risk of Illness
Exercise can greatly reduce the risk of illness and diseases related to aging. These diseases may include diabetes, osteoporosis, and heart-related issues.
Aging adults who eat well and exercise regularly have healthy digestive systems and immune functioning, strong bone density, stable blood pressure, and lower chances of developing diseases.
2. Lowers the Chance of Weight Loss
As we age, we tend to lose weight and muscle and become weaker. According to a research study, an adult may lose about 3 to 8 percent of muscle each decade after the age of 30.
Maintaining a healthy weight becomes a challenge for aging adults. However, regular exercise can improve your muscle strength and lower the chances of weight loss.
3. Better Balance and Enhanced Mobility
When you do regular exercise, you ultimately enhance your mobility, increase strength and balance in your body. Aging bodies, specifically after 30, can lose 3-5% muscle mass every decade due to physical inactivity, which can result in age-related sarcopenia.
Not only does exercise contribute to enhanced muscle mass, but it can improve your posture and lower the risk of falls. You should try strength training exercises, such as squats, push-ups, and planks, to avoid losing muscle mass.
4. Improved Sleep Quality
A report suggests that people who stay up late and find it difficult to wake up early morning have a 10% risk of dying early than those who are early to bed and early to rise. Moreover, those who engage in unhealthy activities such as smoking and drinking are likely to suffer from sleep issues.
Simple exercises, such as meditation, can significantly improve your sleep quality, helping you fall asleep faster so that you are energized and focused the next day.
5. Reduced Stress
Older adults are more prone to developing illnesses, which may lead to stress and depression. In fact, according to a research study, experiencing chronic or prolonged stress can shorten life expectancy by 2.8 years. Hence, engaging in a shorter but consistent everyday exercise routine is ideal for stress reduction and longevity. Also, try to surround yourself with people who have positive mindsets and are more attracted to living a healthy lifestyle and routine.
While you can’t live forever, it’s imperative to live a healthy and happy life. The secret behind a content life isn’t magic, but it’s fitness and exercise.
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