How exercise is important at any age
All of us are aware that exercising is excellent for mental and physical health. The reality is that humans are meant to be mobile and well-exercised. The modern-day and age have aided us in becoming lazy and dependent on material things to do our work for us. In the earlier times, everyone did their work by hand irrespective of their ages. People walked for several miles daily to gather food, hunt, build houses, and support their families.
Elders in villages and tribes contributed by going on small hunting parties, gathering fruits and vegetables, and taking care of the young. They also passed the knowledge of survival to the younger generations and led them on expeditions. Modern man seems to have forgotten that daily activity and exercise has a ton of benefits of physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental health and energy.
Most seniors today live secluded and sequestered lives. Some are even wheelchair users. Seniors need fresh air, ample sunlight, and daily exercise to keep up their health and wellness. Physical activity like walking, yoga, and light jogging helps keep all the organs function and keeps the blood circulation healthy. Fitness and daily exercise can benefit people of all ages.
Let us look at why exercising even in late ages is critical.
Decrease the risk of falling:
Senior citizens report that the majority of them fall and injure themselves due to lack of balance and proper posture. Independence in movement can drastically reduce the number of times seniors fall and hurt themselves. Exercising daily for half an hour to an hour improves flexibility and strength, which in turn, increases coordination in motor movement and balance. Since most senior citizens take time to recover from falls and injuries, decreasing the number of times they fall helps eliminate issues for the future. Correcting posture and balance helps reduce the risk of falling and allows elders to lead healthy, happy lives.
Prevent diseases:
A regular physical and mental activity like walking, jogging, and yoga helps prevent infections. Serious concerns like heart diseases, increase in cholesterol, diabetes, blood pressure issues can be curbed with the help of regular exercise. There are many exercises for the elderly that concentrate on increasing flexibility, coordination, and reducing stress and heart pressure. Daily exercise also helps keep their immunity high and prevent common colds, flu, and fever. It also helps keep migraines, headaches, and muscular aches away. Most common diseases can be restricted by exercising daily for an hour or two.
Cognitive Function:
There have been countless studies conducted that prove exercise helps cognitive functioning. Diseases like Dementia, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s can be controlled with the help of exercising. Exercising does not prevent these diseases but helps battle them with a fit and healthy body. Most elderly citizens who exercise can digest their medicines and retain focus for long periods. Physically active adults can fight diseases and improve cognitive functioning than those that are not fit and healthy. Exercises For The Elderly help at all ages, irrespective of when the daily routine starts.
Mental Health:
It is a known fact that exercising helps keep you alert and focused. Many middle-aged citizens use working out and daily exercises as a way to keep stress and tensions at bay. The same goes for elderly citizens. Exercising regularly releases a daily dose of endorphins, also known as ‘feel-good’ or ‘happy’ hormones. These hormones help stimulate the brain and keep the mental agility up and running. People who exercise regularly are known to lead happy lives. They are also not prone to depression, melancholia, and sadness. Exercising helps keep mental health in a fit condition and prevents negative feelings and emotions. Elderly citizens benefit the most from renewed mental health since they can fight insomnia, disrupted sleep patterns, and can get restful sleep. Most senior citizens report sleeping better and feeling refreshed after they exercise. So avoid using things like a mobility scooter more than necessary.
Social Engagements:
Exercises for the elderly can be found online and can be followed through courses and Apps. They also help seniors connect socially to stimulate their senses. Many adults prefer working out in groups and parks. Going out and meeting new people while exercising helps keep elders engaged and socially active. Many times, post-retirement, elders start feeling left out or neglected. Getting out and meeting like-minded people of the same age helps them cope better with their retirement and extra time. It is also a fantastic way to interact with others. Also, taking grandchildren to a park or pushing them in Kidsco’s lightweight strollers could be a good exercise and very advisable for their mental health.
