Staying physically active is beneficial at all ages, but it can have some distinct benefits for seniors. The benefits range from physical to mental and can touch all aspects of your life. Physical activity can take many forms, from participating in exercise programs at Autumn View Gardens to taking care of your pet. Find out how your favorite form of exercise could benefit you as you age.
As you get older, you have an increased risk of developing chronic health conditions, and you might experience changes in your mobility. When you keep your body moving, you help strengthen it and improve its physical condition. This makes it easier to do everyday things, and it can reduce your risk of many diseases and health conditions. Some ways exercise benefits your body physically include:
Maintaining your physical health can make life more enjoyable and help you stay alive longer.
Physical activity can help ease some symptoms that you experience based on health conditions you might have. It can also keep some diseases from getting worse. For instance, being active can ease joint swelling, which could help ease joint pain. Physical activity can also help reduce arthritis symptoms.
Aging can come with some mental health concerns. You might experience loneliness or depression. Dealing with changes as you age can cause anxiety or depression. You might also deal with losing friends and loved ones, which can cause severe grief. Staying active can help your mental health. Exercise can improve your mood overall by causing the release of endorphins. If you experience depression or anxiety, staying active can help ease the symptoms.
Fall injuries send 3 million older adults to the ER every year. Exercising could help reduce your risk of falls. It helps strengthen your muscles and improve your balance, which can help you stay upright. Stronger bones from staying active can also help reduce your risk of injury if you do fall. Avoiding falls and injuries can help you stay in better shape and prevent potential pain or additional complications.
You can turn your physical activity into an opportunity to socialize. Joining an exercise class, especially one designed for seniors, can help you meet others and bond over your workout. Another option is to grab a group of your Autumn View Gardens neighbors and do your own workout routine. You might go for daily walks where you can catch up with each other and stay physically fit. Even if you go for a walk on your own, you'll likely run into others who are also staying active. This could be a good way to meet new people. Regular socialization can help you reduce loneliness.
Your sleep patterns often change as you get older. You might have a harder time falling asleep or wake up a lot during the night. Exercise can help you sleep better. If you stay active during the day, you might find your sleep improves. This can help you feel more rested and energetic during the day when you want to be alert. However, exercising close to bedtime could have the opposite effect. Some people feel energized after a workout, so you might not be able to fall asleep right away.
The more active you can remain as you age, the more independence you can maintain. Regular exercise often keeps you more mobile and healthier, which allows you to get around better by yourself and avoid medical support to manage health conditions. You might not need as much support or any at all. This allows you to age in place or opt for care options like assisted living, where you only get a little support to help you live independently.
Many of your hobbies likely involve physical movement. Gardening, hiking and fishing are a few examples. Even things like crafts require gripping and fine motor skills, as well as a steady hand. When you work exercise into your routine, you can help keep your body in optimal shape to continue doing your favorite pastimes. This helps you feel joy and can improve your quality of life.
If you're a grandparent, regular physical activity can help you keep up with your grandparenting duties. You'll have more endurance to keep up with active little ones in your life. With improved flexibility, you might be able to better sit down on the floor and play with your grandchildren. Exercise can also help you keep up when you go on outings, like trips to the zoo, with your family.
