Physical health is one of the most precious gifts we have been given. It is our responsibility to take care of our health in the best way possible so that we can enjoy life to the fullest.
Even up to old age, we still need to make sure our bodies get enough physical activities to keep us healthy and strong. This lessens the chances of getting sick and minimizes the need for aged care lifting hoist to go around. We have outlined a few other benefits that seniors and older adults get from exercise.
6 Benefits of Physical Exercise for Seniors and Aging Adults
-
Promotes social engagement
For most seniors, working out is a great way to socialize with other people. Joining a walking group, a gardening club, or even a Tai Chi group at the park allows them to connect with people. This gives them opportunities for support and accountability to stick with the program. At this point, exercise is not just a workout for them but a fun activity they can look forward to regularly.
-
Minimizes the risks of chronic diseases
Studies show that physical activity helps prevent various sicknesses and diseases such as diabetes and heart diseases. It improves our immune system and strengthens it, which is especially helpful for seniors whose immune systems are already compromised with age. Simple exercises such as walking and stretching already do wonders for their health.
-
Improves mental health
Physical activity is also connected to one’s cognitive functions and mental health. Exercise allows all parts of your body, including the brain, to receive more blood flow which encourages the growth of cells. Motivating your elderly loved one to stay physically active is supporting them to get improved mental health and better cognitive functioning.
-
Enhances flexibility, mobility, and balance
A sedentary lifestyle can cause muscle atrophy. This means that the muscles in your waste away and grow significantly smaller and weaker. Seniors who don’t engage in regular physical activities usually suffer from this on top of having difficulties in breathing and walking, and poor balance. Exercise helps minimize these issues by strengthening their muscles to give them better balance and mobility, which reduces the risks of falls and injuries.
-
Boosts confidence and mood
Exercise produces endorphins, the feel-good hormone. This hormone somehow acts as a stress reliever, leaving you feeling good about yourself and happy and satisfied after a good workout. It’s the same thing that seniors experience whenever they get their daily workout. If you have a loved one who’s feeling depressed and constantly has mood swings, perhaps a good workout is in order.
-
Speeds up healing
As we age, healing takes a bit longer than it used to. The older we get, the wound healing slows down which increases the risk of infection. Physical activity, especially exercise, helps speed the healing process up. Seniors who regularly exercise heal 25% faster compared to those who don’t.
So you see, exercise has nothing to do with age. After all, age is just a number. Keeping yourself physically active has plenty of benefits even as you grow older. So it’s time to lace up and get moving.