Regular exercise is important for seniors to reduce arthritis pain, prevent diseases, and maintain independence. Resistance, strengthening, stretching, and balance exercises are recommended. Exercise can improve sleep quality, prevent diseases, and improve brain function. Seniors should consult with their doctors before starting an exercise regimen and start slowly.
Most seniors require regular exercise to reduce arthritis pain, remain independent, and prevent diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Older people have bodies that can succumb to injury more frequently than younger bodies, but they can still incorporate regular workouts to maintain and improve their health. The best exercises for the elderly include resistance activities, strengthening exercises, stretching exercises, and balance exercises.
Resistance exercises for the elderly help increase staying power and improve heart health and circulation. Some of these activities include walking, bicycling, and swimming. Many seniors prefer low-impact exercises, such as water aerobics, where the water provides resistance without the risk of injury or falls. The main key is to increase your heart rate and breathing for long periods of time. Some people can achieve this exercise through chores like vacuuming or raking leaves.
Most people lose muscle mass and muscle tone as they age, and strengthening exercises for the elderly may prevent or delay this condition. Maintaining and building muscle can also help increase a person’s metabolism, preventing excessive weight gain and blood sugar problems. Some strength training exercises can be done from a seated position using light weights. There are several exercise videos for seniors that focus on strengthening methods.
Stretching exercises for the elderly are important because they keep the body flexible and supple. They can also facilitate movement, allowing an older person to live an independent and active life. Stretching exercises should be done before other types of exercises to avoid tension and falls. Some older people practice yoga for this type of exercise.
Many older people have balance problems, and falls are a leading cause of broken hips and other fractures. One way to prevent this type of injury is through balance exercises for the elderly. This type of practice generally develops leg muscles and core group muscles that have deteriorated with age. An example of a balance exercise is a side leg raise performed while using a chair or table for balance.
There are many benefits of exercise for the elderly. Many older people report improved sleep quality and weight loss. Others enjoy the social interaction of fitness classes or groups. Exercise for the elderly can prevent Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and depression, because exercise releases endorphins and can improve brain function. Some people believe that it prevents joint wear and builds immunity to common viruses and infections.
Before starting a senior exercise regimen, seniors should get a full checkup from their doctors to make sure they are avoiding any health risks. All types of exercises should start slowly and gradually increase after resistance is established. Warm-up stretches and exercises shouldn’t be overlooked, and seniors should make sure they’re hydrated before, during, and after a workout.
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