Importance of Senior Exercises | American Grand Assisted Living Suites

While most adults think it’s too late to start being physically active, this isn’t true. You can benefit from exercise at any age, and it’s even more critical for senior citizens than other groups. Read on to learn more about the importance of senior exercises.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as an individual’s age increases, so does inactivity. In fact, by the time they’re 75, one in three men and one in two women stop engaging in any physical activity at all.

Research has shown that there are many health benefits associated with physical activity, with exercise for seniors resulting in improvement in both physical and mental health.

From strengthening your muscles and improving cardiovascular health to reducing stress, improving sleep, and preventing falls, staying active in your twilight years is essential. Here are some of the reasons highlighting the importance of exercise for seniors.

1. Senior Exercises Reduce the Risk of Developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Since regular physical activity improves cognitive function, it can lower the risk of degenerative brain disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It may also improve existing symptoms since it helps to fine-tune your motor skills.

2. Exercises Help Seniors Improve Balance and Prevent Falls

Senior citizens are usually at a higher risk for falls and injuries. Since regular physical activity improves both flexibility and strength, it can help prevent falls and improve balance.

There are plenty of senior exercises that teach you how to improve balance for seniors. Regularly practicing these can make a world of difference and prevent serious injury.

3. Physical Activity Improves Mental Health

Because exercising produces endorphins, it helps relieve stress, improves sleep, and fights depression. Exercise often acts as a mood booster and can make you a happier person.

4. Seniors Who Exercise Can Reduce the Risk of Diseases

It’s well-known that exercise for seniors can help prevent diseases like diabetes, heart disease and can even preserve joint function in diseases like arthritis.

Additionally, exercise reduces your risk of developing cancer, including breast, prostate, and colorectal cancer. It’s even proven to help reduce high blood pressure.

5. Senior Exercises Boost Immune System

Regularly exercising leads to a strong and healthy body and boosts your immune system. This way, you’re better off fighting infections and can remove from illnesses more easily and quickly.

Those who don’t exercise report low energy, while the opposite is true for those who engage in physical activity since their bodies are more resilient.

6. Physical Activity Builds Bone Density

When bones lose density, you’re at a higher risk for fractures and developing diseases like osteoporosis. Some senior exercises can help increase bone strength, build bone density, and reduce the risk of fractures.

Exercise for seniors that promotes this includes dancing, jogging, walking, and playing tennis.

Our Tips for Exercise for Seniors

We recommend that seniors start engaging in physical activity even if they’ve previously been sedentary. They can start with moderate exercise for 5-10 minutes and then build it up to more when more physically fit.

Some of the most popular senior exercises involve walking, yoga, and gardening. At the end of the day, regardless of the exercises you choose, the most important thing is that you understand the importance of physical activity and make it a priority.

American Grand is more than just an assisted living facility. We focus on your individual needs and offer all kinds of activities, including exercise classes in our daily “Good Morning American Grand” activity.

Come see for yourself by scheduling a personalized tour with us – we look forward to meeting you!

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