The Health Benefits Of Exercise For Seniors
The benefits of exercise are well known for seniors. Exercise can delay the onset of certain diseases and boost the immune system. Because senior citizens tend to have compromised immune systems, they are more susceptible to common illnesses. Exercise, like brisk walking, can protect senior citizens against common illnesses and help them stay healthy. Furthermore, staying active can improve cognitive function. It can even keep seniors’ fine motor skills sharp.
Regular physical activity has several benefits for senior citizens. Older adults naturally lose strength and stamina as they age, but inactivity is a major cause of these declines. In fact, 33% of men and 50% of women over the age of 75 engage in no physical activity at all. Physical inactivity is the number four cause of death worldwide.
Moderate physical activity helps seniors stay active, healthy, and happy. As the body ages, muscle strength deteriorates. By age 75, one-third of adults have little to no physical activity. Exercise helps strengthen muscles and decreases body fat and stress hormones. Additionally, it helps seniors stay independent. Keeping active is an excellent way to avoid falling. Exercise also promotes independence and mental clarity. However, it can be difficult to get started or stay committed to a workout schedule.
How Does Exercise Prevent Disease?
A healthy lifestyle is important for everyone, but exercising regularly may have even more benefits for senior citizens. Most chronic illnesses can be managed with exercise, and most adults over 65 are healthy enough to begin an exercise routine. Exercise also helps improve many chronic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, and lipid disorders. Not to mention, exercising can boost mood and even improve cognitive function. Here are five ways that exercise can benefit senior citizens.
Exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes. It can also help people with chronic conditions maintain their mobility and maintain their balance. People with Parkinson’s disease and dementia benefit from physical activity, which increases the chances of their functional independence. Studies have shown that consistent exercise routines are linked to lower mortality and age-related morbidity in older adults.
How Does Exercise Improve Mental Health?
Exercise is a vital aspect of good health, as it benefits every area of the body. However, many older adults are unaware of the ways in which physical activity benefits the mental health of the individual. It can help improve memory, improve sleep, and increase general energy levels. Additionally, it can boost mood and confidence. So, if you’re an older adult who’s been reluctant to start an exercise program, here are some of the benefits of physical activity.
Regular exercise increases blood flow to the brain, which in turn provides it with essential nutrients such as glucose and oxygen. In a 3-month study, the average blood flow to the brain increased by 15%. The same study linked aerobic activity to neurogenesis, an important process for neural development and populating the brain with new neurons. And last but not least, exercise can make you feel better. In addition to the physical benefits, regular exercise is a powerful medicine for common mental health problems.
How Does Exercise Improve Cognitive Function?
A new study has examined how physical exercise can benefit the cognitive function of seniors. It observed 37 people with mild cognitive impairment over a 12-month period. The study subjects engaged in three exercise sessions a week for 10 weeks – brisk walking for about 25 minutes.
Although there are a number of studies to support the benefits of physical activity on cognition, no one is completely sure what the exact mechanism is. In this narrative review, I will discuss the most common exercise interventions for older adults, including aerobics, resistance training, and a combination of these three types of exercise. I will also discuss some potential mechanisms behind these effects and explore further research. This review has identified several factors that may explain why exercise improves cognitive function in seniors.
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