What Are the Benefits of Fitness for Senior Citizens?
"If you don't use it, you'll lose it" may be a trite saying, but there is truth to it--especially as we age. If we stop exercising, especially when we pass the age of 50, our bodies will start to decay, according to Dr. Henry S. Lodge, author of Younger Next Year and Younger Next Year for Women. He points out that our bodies are programmed to grow or decay, and exercise tells the body to grow.
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Aerobic Exercise
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Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and helps to maintain a healthy weight. Staying physically active and exercising regularly can improve mood and relieve depression, and prevent or delay some types of cancer, heart disease, and diabetes, according to the National Institute on Aging.
Weight Training
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Weight training helps build muscle strength. This helps with daily activities such as climbing stairs, shopping and carrying packages, enabling seniors to keep their independence.
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Disease Prevention/Control
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Staying physically active by exercising on a regular basis can improve health for some seniors who already have diseases and disabilities, according to the National Institute on Aging. Exercise can help improve the health of already frail people as well.
Loneliness and Stress
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Both loneliness and stress trigger decay, according to Dr. Lodge. By getting into a group exercise activity, whether it is walking, biking, playing tennis or joining an exercise class, this will keep seniors connected with others, while at the same time exercising your body. Regular exercise also promotes better sleep.
Improves Balance
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Regular exercise improves strength, flexibility, stamina and posture, as well as helps prevent loss of bone mass, all of which help with balance--reducing the risk of falling.
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References
- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks
