Regular exercise is great for the body, especially as one age. It’s good to exercise when one is young, but it is also important to keep exercising when one is older. Exercise shouldn’t be done only when one is young; the benefits of exercise for older adults are many. And even if one wasn’t as active when one was younger, it is not too late to start now.
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can affect our physical and mental health. Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to promote healthy aging, reduce the risk of chronic diseases, and improve overall quality of life. Exercising regularly as an older adult can keep you fit enough to do certain things that others your age can’t do. It’s a form of advantage you have when the aging process starts.
Key takeaway
Keeping fit by exercising regularly as an older person is a great way to enjoy the aging process. It keeps you feeling young and energetic, despite being 60 or 70 years old. Regular exercise is essential for maintaining physical and mental health as we age. It also helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, improve brain function, and increase overall quality of life.
Benefits of regular exercise for older adults
Maintains physical function
When you workout regularly, it helps maintain physical function, including strength, flexibility, and balance. These are some of the things that start to diminish as you age. However, regular exercise reduces the risk of falls and injuries.
Lowers your risk of chronic diseases
Whether you are in your 20s, 40s, or 60s, working out regularly has reduced the risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. As a person grows older, they become more susceptible to developing health conditions. Therefore, regular exercise for older adults helps.
Enhances mobility
Regular exercise can help improve your mobility as you grow older, which makes it easier to perform daily activities. It makes it possible to stand up with ease, pick stuff up from the floor, wear your clothes by yourself, clean the house, and many others. You wouldn’t need to have someone to do such things for you, because YOU can.
Improves bone density
Weight-bearing exercise like walking, or weight training, can help improve bone density, which reduces the risk of osteoporosis.
Lowers the risk of depression
Working out regularly has been shown to reduce the risk of depression and anxiety in older adults. Exercise helps boost your mood, and energy levels, so even though you are in your 50s or 60s, you’d still be feeling good.
Better sleep quality
Exercise helps you sleep better at night, and sleep is essential for your health. So, even when you’re aging, you’re still going to enjoy a good night’s sleep.
Improves cognitive function
Regular exercise has been linked to improved cognitive function, including better memory, and problem-solving skills. Therefore, exercising regularly as you age increases your ability to perform mental tasks more effectively.
Boosts self-esteem
Regular exercise can help boost your confidence and self-esteem, which is especially beneficial for older adults. Feeling confident and motivated as you age is really important and beneficial for you as a person.
Safety tips to get started on regular exercise as an older adult
If you weren’t a fitness person back then, it doesn’t mean you can’t start your fitness journey now.
1 . Consult with a health care professional: Before you start your fitness journey or any exercise program, speak with a professional, especially if you have any underlying medical conditions. It is very important to do this, so you don’t create any problems for yourself.
2 . Start slow: Don’t rush into it, start with short, gentle exercises and gradually increase the intensity and duration as you become more comfortable. Remember there is beauty in growing and learning, you don’t have to know or do everything at once. There is time, so use it properly.
3 . Pick an exercise you enjoy: Just because you want to start exercising, and are new to it, doesn’t mean you shouldn’t choose the one you like. It’s important to find an exercise you enjoy. Engage in physical activities that bring you joy, whether it is walking, swimming, or dancing. So long as you enjoy it, and find it fun, go ahead and do it!
4 . Exercise with a friend or family: Exercising with a friend or family member can help keep you motivated and accountable. It also helps the process feel less overwhelming if you have someone by your side.
However remember that you don’t have to wait on someone before you start to take care of your health, and enjoy your life. Or engage in certain activities, you can do it by yourself and be your motivator!
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