Older people should be involved in their physical health to lower their risk of getting age-related diseases and keep their health in general. Exercise is important for everyone’s health and quality of life, but it’s even more important for seniors. Regular exercise can help keep seniors healthy and give them a sense of independence. It can also prevent or delay the start of diseases.
Healthline says that physical activity is important for good health whether a person is in their 60s, 70s, or 90s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that seniors do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity per week, two days of strength training, and two days of stretching.
In this article, we’ll talk about the benefits of exercise for seniors and give examples of different exercises they should do more often.
Why exercise is good for seniors
Seniors can benefit from exercise in many ways, and it can help them get better faster from illnesses, injuries, and surgeries. It can also help people think better, feel less stressed, and sleep better. Exercise can make your muscles stronger, lower your risk of heart problems, improve your balance and mobility, keep you from falling, and improve your posture. It can also help older people lower their chances of getting type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, some kinds of cancer, and long-term pain.
Different ways for seniors to work out
Seniors should do a variety of exercises to lower their risk of getting hurt and improve their health. Here are some types of physical activity they should do more of:
Workouts for building muscle
Strength-training exercises use resistance, like weights or weight machines, elastic bands, or your own body weight, to build muscle strength and bone density. Lifting weights, doing yoga, playing tennis, and swimming are all examples of exercises that build muscle.
Aerobic Exercise
Aerobic exercise, or cardio, raises the heart rate and breathing rate to burn calories and strengthen the heart, lungs, and cardiovascular system. Walking, jogging, cycling, and dancing are all examples of aerobic exercises that seniors can do.
Balance Exercises
Balance exercises, like those where you stand on one foot, are important for seniors because they help them avoid falls and make it easier for them to move around. Seniors can improve their balance by doing things like tai chi, yoga, or standing on one foot for a few seconds.
Exercises for flexibility
Flexibility exercises, like stretching, can help the body move more freely and keep it from getting hurt. Stretching the hamstrings, the lower back, the calves, and the arms and shoulders are all examples of flexibility exercises for seniors.
Conclusion
Seniors need to move around a lot to stay healthy. Physical activity on a regular basis can help older people feel independent, lower their risk of age-related diseases, and improve their overall quality of life.
A senior’s exercise routine should include strength training, aerobic exercises, balance exercises, and stretching or flexibility exercises. Also, older people should always talk to their doctor before starting a new exercise plan.
