The Importance Of Exercise For Whole Body Wellbeing
It’s common knowledge that staying fit is essential in achieving whole-body wellness for people of all ages – and, though it may be more difficult to implement, it’s particularly true for seniors. During the aging process, it’s normal to lose some of the stamina and agility we had in our younger years – but that doesn’t mean we should stop exercising! Regularly taking part in some form of exercise – even low-impact – helps us improve balance and mobility, increase flexibility, reduce pain and joint stiffness, and even improve our mood.
Physical Activity Enhances Health & Longevity
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that all older adults can benefit from regular, moderate physical activity – even people with medical conditions including arthritis, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. It’s also been shown that getting active in our older years not only positively impacts physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing.
How Senior Living Can Benefit Your Health
Exercise can improve overall health and wellbeing for older adults in the following ways:
- Protects Against Chronic Disease: Chronic illnesses including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension can be prevented by exercise. Even individuals who already have a chronic condition can help minimize their symptoms through physical activity.
- Improves Function: A lack of muscle strength impacts mobility and other types of function, from getting up and down from a chair or bed to opening a jar. According to the National Institute on Aging, even very small changes in muscle strength can make a real difference in function, especially lower-body strength exercises which can improve balance and prevent falling and its serious consequences.
- Prevents Bone Loss: While post-menopausal women lose up to 2% of their bone density each year, both men and women lose bone density as they age, which can cause a greater risk for bone fractures. Strength training has been shown to not only counteract this loss and but also restore bone density, leading to fewer fractures and aiding in balance.
- Reduces Cognitive Decline: Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, which could help those with early signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. One study found that participants over the age of 60 showed fewer Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers when they performed 30 minutes of exercise every day.
- Boosts Immunity: Moderate exercise has been linked to a lower incidence of acute respiratory illness and fewer sick days off of work. The anti-inflammatory effects of physical activity also may enable better immune function.
- Improves Mood: The endorphins produced in our bodies by exercise simply make us feel good. It’s been shown to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression and encourage a sense of wellbeing. Studies have shown that the mood-boosting benefits of exercise continue well into old age.
If you’re looking to add more physical activity to your lifestyle, a community like Hamlet at Chagrin Falls can provide the social connection and motivation you need to stick with it. Residents are able to embrace as many opportunities as possible – from yoga classes and walking clubs to gardening and exploring nature. With an abundance of activities so conveniently available both in our community and in the greater community at large, it’s easy to keep active and feel young at heart.
