The benefits of exercise know no age.
Regardless of one’s age, regular exercise can have numerous benefits. However, the positive benefits of the exercise for the elderly community is especially profound, even with a moderate amount of physical activity.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the benefits of exercise for older adults include:
- Help one maintain independence and reduce the risks or falling and fracturing bones.
- Reduces risk of dying from coronary heart disease, and developing high blood pressure, colon cancer and diabetes.
- Can help reduce blood pressure in some people with hypertension.
- Help improve stamina and muscle strength for people with chronic, disabling conditions.
- Contributes to the reduction of symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as improving mood
- Helps maintain bones, muscles and joints
- Helps control pain associated with arthritis and control joint swelling.
Despite the many positive benefits of physical activity, the frequency in which people exercise tends to significantly decrease as they age. According to the CDC, one-third of men and one-half of women no longer participate in any form of physical activity by the time they reach age 75.
Whether you are looking to get started (or re-started) here are some ideas to jumpstart your track to improved health:
- Consider walking. Take advantage of one of the many walking trails in the Fox Valley area. Not only will you have a chance to improve your physical health, the sights and sounds of the surrounding nature is sure to improve your spiritual health as well.
- Take up gardening. During the spring and summer months, the American Grand staff and residents team up to tend to the community’s gardens on Tuesday mornings. Newcomers are welcome to tend to join in the gardening fun.
- Try yoga. Yoga reaches across the spectrum to fulfill the needs of a balanced exercise program, providing endurance with stretching, strength training and balance. After gaining some knowledge of proper yoga technique, the exercise that just as easily be done alone or in a group.
As with starting any new exercise program, you are advised to first consult your doctor or health care professional.