Why A Good Exercise Routine Is So Important For Seniors

How Elderly Can Benefit from Regular Exercise

Whether it's a lack of energy, issues with balance and coordination, or the onset of arthritis, the ageing process may be difficult on the body. However, regular exercise can undoubtedly make the symptoms of ageing much more bearable, even though there is no known way to totally prevent them from occurring. With that said, listed below are a few advantages exercise has for seniors:

Helps Prevent Falls

One-in-three at-home seniors experience a severe fall every year, and often poor balance and coordination is a contributing factor. Most low-impact forms of exercise improve an older person’s balance and coordination, thereby reducing their likelihood to fall.

Sharpens Mental Acuity

One of the biggest fears for seniors is being diagnosed with dementia, and studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for developing cognitive impairment. On the other hand, researchers have found that regular exercise helps sharpen a senior’s mental acuity and concentration, both of which help protect them against dementia.

Increases Bone Strength

Older adults commonly get osteoporosis and broken bones. However, weight-bearing exercises like walking or Yoga, help increase bone strength. This reduces the likelihood of developing osteoporosis and experiencing a bone fracture.

Lowers Cardiovascular Disease Risk

Exercise raises a participant’s heart rate, which helps protect them from cardiovascular disease. Studies have also found that following a good exercise routine also helps normalize a senior’s blood pressure and blood sugar, which also lowers their risk of having a stroke.

Reduces Stress

Many seniors feel stressed out, and exercise stimulates the release of “feel good” hormones known as endorphins that act as natural stress relievers. In addition to feeling happier and more satisfied, endorphins also help a senior get a better night’s sleep.

Improves Flexibility

As the body ages, joint flexibility diminishes. That can make even the most simple activities, like driving a car or getting dressed, very unpleasant at times. Stretching and working out regularly improves flexibility and helps promote a more active lifestyle.

Boosts Immunity

The older a person gets, the harder it is for their body to fight off illnesses like the flu or a UTI. But research shows that participating in regular exercise boosts a senior’s immune system, which helps protect their bodies against pesky microbes.

Promotes Social Interaction

Joining a local senior-focused fitness center is a great way to make new friends. Doing so can also help to ward off feelings of loneliness and depression that can result from social isolation.

Longevity

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), leading a sedentary lifestyle is one of the leading causes of death and disability. On the other hand, exercising regularly can increase a person’s lifespan by up to 5 years.

Healthy Exercises for Older Adults

High-impact forms of exercise like powerlifting or running, are generally not recommended for older adults. But there are several fun, lower-impact ways for them to get regular exercise, such as:

• Walking
• Chair or water aerobics
• Tai Chi or Yoga
• Certain forms of dancing
• Bouncing on an exercise ball or mini-trampoline
• Working out with hand and ankle weights, or resistance bands.

Distinguished Professional Carers Can Help Seniors With Exercise

Ensuring that an elderly loved one can get a sufficient amount of exercise can be hard when busy or live far away. When you need a hand, call Distinguished Care Services, a CQC regulated and accredited Home Care agency. Our highly-trained Professional Carers love helping seniors exercise so they can continue aging comfortably in place. While serving as an extended family in a senior’s home, the carefully screened caregivers can also perform duties, including personal hygiene care, meal preparation, light housework, transportation, and medication reminders.

Please know that all of the reliable in-home amenities can be personalized into an affordable package when and where needed, Contact Us today to learn why Distinguished is the preferred Home Care company in Clacton On Sea and the surrounding areas.