THE IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISING WHILE AGING:
As we age, our stamina and productivity decrease. The human body is at its peak functioning during the age of 25 years. It keeps on its peak performance during the next 10,15 years. These years are beneficial for strength exercises as the exercises you will do at the age of 20-25 will define your next years. You have heard it many times that physical activity and exercises are right for you, and you should make them a part of your life. Countless studies show why exercising is beneficial to seniors because it becomes essential for active daily living. Regular physical activity will help improve mental and physical health, and both will help you enjoy your independence as you age. Preventing Age-Related Health Problems: According to different studies, it is proven that regular exercise improves your mental and physical health. Moreover, it improves your blood flow. Exercising will help prevent heart disease and diabetes, especially in seniors, because they are more prone to these diseases. It is proven that seniors who walk and exercise are more fit and active than ones who do not. It also prevents them from becoming victims of many other diseases such as osteoporosis, dementia, and mobility disability. Walking is a great exercise to help improve metabolism and keep the immune system healthy, and it is suitable for seniors as opposed to strenuous exercises.
Types of Exercises: There are other types of exercises suitable for seniors such as swimming, Yoga, Pilates, TaiChi, and stretching. Some seniors do prefer running or jogging but it mainly depends on their level of stamina.
Social Engagement: For seniors, exercise becomes more than just exercise. It is for social engagement too. For example, when they go to the park, they expect to meet people that they can engage in their social circle. Some gyms cater to seniors through Silver Sneakers programs which makes it fun and easy to engage with others of the same age group. Maintaining social ties is crucial for seniors because it keeps them motivated and energized with life. The key is to find the right exercise and relevant people for your circle of influence. That way it is easy to commit and stay dedicated.
Conclusion: While exercise is an essential part of daily life for people of all ages, it is paramount for seniors. The benefits are countless! It is just a matter of making it a priority in your life. In the beginning, it will feel like a burden, but once your body adapts to a new routine, the exercise will feel like a habit you cannot live without. In the senior population, exercise has proven beneficial in preventing age-related diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, dementia, and mobility disability. More importantly, exercise improves your overall health and reduce the risk of diseases regardless of your age, it should be a lifestyle.