Getting old shouldn’t mean becoming inactive; even in old age it is very important to stay as active as physically possible. Regardless of your age or current health, exercise is a necessary and important part of healthy aging, and as long as you’re not at high risk of injury, most types of exercise will still be appropriate for older people, especially those who are younger and/or have been physically active for most of their lives. Even older people with physical disabilities can stay active to stay healthy and happy.
Being inactive can cause older adults to lose ground in four areas that are critical to staying healthy and independent: strength, balance, flexibility, and endurance. Different exercises can help seniors maintain and even restore some degree of functionality in these four key areas.
There are multiple types and categories of physical exercise, each with its own benefits:
Cardiovascular: As the name implies, cardio exercises are good for your heart: they get your blood pumping and increase your heart rate.
Good examples of cardio exercises: swimming, walking, light cycling, walking, golf, water aerobics
Strength training – improving the condition of your muscles and bones can make daily activities easier and keep you mobile longer
Good example of strength training: tai chi, yoga, pilates, frequent stretching
Balance training: Exercises in this category are particularly important for older people, as they can improve muscle strength and prevent falls; Also, the healthier and fitter your body is, the less severe the impact of a fall will be.
Good examples of balance training: resistance training with light weights, weight machines, stretching with resistance bands
In addition to the commonly espoused benefits of exercise, recent studies show that older people who remain active after age 70 are less likely to experience age-related declines in mental functioning. Many studies have shown a strong correlation between physical activity in later life and reduced mental decline, but clearly it’s important to not just be active, but to stay active as we age.
Furthermore, some studies have even shown that exercise can reverse some of the effects that aging has on the brain’s abilities by creating new brain cells; Research is still being done in this area, but it is possible that exercise could improve mental abilities in older people.
The benefits of exercise extend far beyond well-documented health and medical improvements: exercise can improve your ability to keep up with younger family members and grandchildren and can keep you more active in your community by increasing your mobility and energy level. Whatever your reason for staying active as you age, active seniors will see a variety of benefits that will positively impact all aspects of their lives.
As with all health-related concerns, consult a doctor before starting an exercise regimen, as they will be better equipped to recommend fitness and exercise routines that suit your needs.