A main component of a healthy lifestyle is exercising, because it is essential to physical fitness and strength. However, exercising is not just for younger people. In fact, it is necessary for all ages including the older age groups.
Some seniors believe that they are too old to exercise and they think that they should just save their energy for something else. However, that is just not true. In fact, older people need to exercise because it can improve their overall well-being and allow them to enjoy a more active lifestyle.
Below are five benefits that exercising gives to older adults.
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1. It prevents falls and other injuries.
Statistics show that one out of three 65-year-olds fall each year, and it results to injuries and sometimes, even death. The good news is older people can avoid their risk of falling through exercising. It keeps the bones and muscles strong and improves your flexibility, balance, reach, and agility.
2. It improves your bodily functions.
Because of the years of wear-and-tear, the body has a tendency to be more prone to sickness and disorders when a person grows older. Since that is the case, it’s important to keep your body functioning the way that it’s supposed to. Exercise can help you with that.
Exercising strengthens the immune system, improves the condition of the heart, prevents blood pressure from shooting up, and promotes better digestion. Because exercise improves important bodily functions, it strengthens your body to help avoid chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
3. It helps in weight management.
Exercising helps boost your metabolism and allow you to burn more calories. Because of that, it helps you reach or maintain your ideal weight, which is essential to your overall wellness. It also helps avoid obesity, which is a risk factor for many health conditions such as heart disease, bone and joint problems, and diabetes.
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4. It improves sleep.
Having a goodnight’s rest is essential to one’s health. If you don’t get enough shut-eye, you feel less energized and some of your bodily functions may be disrupted.
If you’re having trouble sleeping and if it’s affecting your day to day activities, exercising may improve your condition. One study shows that exercise can help people get better quality of sleep and improves your alertness during the day.
5. It keeps the brain active.
Exercising keeps your brain active and helps with performing its regular function. As a result, you are lowering your chances of experiencing memory loss, cognitive decline, and dementia.
Being in great shape is instrumental to fully enjoying retirement. If you plan on making your golden years as fulfilling as possible, look out for your health, stay physically active, and watch how your body will love you back.
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