5 Benefits of Exercise for Aging Adults and Seniors
5 Benefits of Exercise for Aging Adults and Seniors
Now is the time to think outside of the box and engage in activities to keep yourself stimulated mind, body, and spirit. The mind body connection is not a new topic to all but a review to understand the benefits of physical engagement. We encourage you to find ways to remain physically active during the Shelter In Place.
Benefits of Exercise
1. Prevent Disease
Studies have shown that maintaining regular physical activity can help prevent many common diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes. Keeping up regular, daily exercise at a time when much of the world is going into isolation will play an important role in helping to maintain a healthy immune system. Even light exercise, such as walking, can be a powerful tool for preventable disease management.
2. Improved Mental Health
Exercise is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment. It relieves tension and stress, boosts physical and mental energy, and enhances well-being through the release of endorphins. The mental health benefits of exercise are nearly endless. Exercise produces endorphins (the “feel good” hormone), which act as a stress reliever and leaves you feeling happy and satisfied.
3. Decreased Risk of Falls
Older adults are at a higher risk of falls, which can prove to be potentially disastrous for maintaining independence. Exercise improves strength and flexibility, which also help improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls. Seniors take much longer to recover from falls, so anything that helps avoid them in the first place is extremely important.
4. Social Engagement
Maintaining strong social ties is important for aging adults to feel a sense of purpose and avoid feelings of loneliness or depression. The key is to find a form of exercise you love, and it will never feel like a chore again. Virtual workouts are available as live and recorded classes. If you are need a hand accessing virtual workouts call (323) 325 – 1077. We will connect you to a Senor Specialist who will patiently help you discover your options and help you connect.
5. Improved Cognitive Function
Regular physical activity and fine-tuned motor skills benefit cognitive function. Countless studies suggest a lower risk of dementia for physically active individuals, regardless of when you begin a routine. It is never too late to start, and you will benefit no matter when you begin.
Conclusion
Exercise is good for you; it is just a matter of making it a priority and a habit in your daily life. In the aging population, exercise has been shown to prevent disease, lower the risk of falls, improve mental health and well-being, strengthen social ties, and improve cognitive function.
Regardless of your age, we hope this will motivate you to incorporate exercise into your life.
Don’t have the discipline to do it on your own? Try any or all of these ideas:
• Join a class or work out with a friend who will hold you accountable.
• Track your progress, which encourages you to reach a goal.
• If you are able, hire a personal trainer. (Paying an expert is good motivation.)
We recommend David Carroll. He is a Certified Exercise Physiologist from the American College of Sports Medicine and is also Certified through the UCLA Fitness Instructor Program. He has been a trusted referral and information source for years.
