Stay active as you age to boost your health and energy. Discover the top benefits of exercise in later life, from strengthening your body to enhancing overall well-being, and make fitness a rewarding part of your routine
“Exercise is boring” “I’m tired” “I hate going to the gym” – these are common reasons for not exercising. Rather than focus on the negatives, remember to take into account all the benefits exercise can bring, especially as you get older.
Whether you’re in full or partial retirement, staying active improves your health from head to toe, inside and out. While it may be hard getting started, exercise will help you feel stronger and healthier in no time. To get into specifics, let’s highlight 7 reasons to exercise as you get older.
Mental Health
Your thought processes and emotions function better when your body feels good.
When your body is healthy, your brain releases endorphins, which are known as the “feel good” hormones. You start to feel calm, and anxiety starts to dissipate. The pressure starts to disappear, and thinking becomes clearer.
Gradually, your mood changes, making it easier to handle stressful situations or the reality of whatever situation you find yourself in. With regular exercise improving your mental state, it’s easier to get more restful sleep, and your overall health improves.
Physical Health
Regular exercise gets your blood pumping and increases your strength. Movement increases blood flow, and nourishes your skin cells, giving your skin a healthy glow.
Exercise also builds stronger bones and prevent osteoporosis in men and women. Greater strength and flexibility help you keep your balance and reduce the risk of falls.
Additionally, an exercise routine may increase your metabolism and make it easier to control your weight. There are numerous benefits to daily exercise. These are benefits you get to reap in the present-day and that your future self will thank you for.
Disease Prevention
With regular exercise, concerns such as blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar levels may start to see improvement. You may find it easier to keep these at appropriate levels, reducing the risk of health troubles such as diabetes, heart disease, or stroke.
Exercise improves blood circulation and pulls oxygen out of your blood, strengthening your heart muscle and making it easier for your heart to pump blood to your muscles. A strong, healthy heart makes you less likely to have a sudden heart attack or other life-threatening situation. Prevention is all about playing the long game, so with the newfound time many retirees seem to have, daily exercise can be a great inclusion to their overall day.
Preserving Your Independence
One of the most common incidents older adults have every year are fall-related issues.
Broken bones can lead to mobility issues, meaning an older person may need assistance with getting around and fulfilling their daily tasks.
Our bodies take longer to heal as we age, so older people especially have a higher risk of chronic wounds and an increased risk of infection.
Regular exercise can help seniors strengthen their body and improve their sense of balance and coordination, which will help to prevent falling and other injuries.
Slows Your Biological Clock
Our chromosomes have endcaps called telomeres, which get shorter with age. The shorter your telomeres are, the shorter your lifespan will be. Exercise has been proven to slow the shrinking of the telomeres.
Socializing Opportunities
Exercising in gyms, classes, senior centers, and other settings can increase social interactions. Group exercise classes especially help with meeting new people and making friends.
Getting together with friends regularly helps older adults communicate better and combat loneliness.
Boosts Immunity
Exercise helps to boost your immune system. Good immunity also helps strengthen your internal organs and helps your body to function better overall.
Ideal Exercises for Older Adults
Any form of exercise will improve your health.
However, it’s best to start exercising slowly if you’re just getting started to decrease the risk of injury.
Consider some of these common exercises:
- Walking
- Yoga
- Cycling
- Squats
- Aerobics or Water Aerobics
- Pilates
Never Too Late to Start
Exercise, hydration, and a balanced diet, along with good hygiene and sleep habits, will help you achieve optimal health, no matter your age. Movement keeps your body healthy inside and out and helps you daily to feel the best you can. It’s never too late to reap the benefits of regular exercise.