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Workouts for Seniors
It is no longer strange to see people in their 60’s doing exercises. Medical research has shown that seniors who engage in regular physical activities look better, are stronger, and would most likely live longer than seniors who don’t.
This information hasn’t been taken for granted as more and more people in their old age have taken up the practice of working out. Studies have shown that as we age, we will begin to experience a reduction in our muscle mass. In fact, from our forties, 3-5% percent of muscle mass will be lost every subsequent decade.
If you’re in the age bracket of 60 years and above, and not involved in regular exercises, then you are losing out on a lot. In this article, I will be pointing out the importance of exercise for seniors so keep reading! Below are some reasons why exercise for seniors is important.
Why is Exercise Important for Seniors
It Helps You Heal Faster
Research has shown that elders who work out regularly can recover from injuries 25% faster.It has also been proven that physical fitness helps boost a person’s immune system as well.
For these reasons, it is important that older people work out regularly, at least 3 times a week.
It Helps Prevent Diseases And Chronic Conditions
Being that exercise boosts a person’s immune system, it means that it gives a person a better fighting chance against diseases.
According to the national institute of aging, chronic illnesses like diabetes, cancer, stroke and heart disease can be prevented by exercising regularly.
It Helps Improve Balance And Stamina
Working out regularly can improve a person’s balance and stamina. Older people are usually victims of accidental falls, and this can be prevented or significantly reduced by doing regular exercises.
Yoga, Tai Chi and squatting are just a few exercises that are recommended for stamina improvement.
Psychological Improvements
People who work out regularly are usually happier and more self confident than those who don’t.
Exercise is a great way to fight off or prevent depression. It also helps improve focus or concentration.
Older people tend to be forgetful, but exercise can help them improve their memory and multi tasking abilities.
Mental sharpness can help elders avoid certain situations that can lead to accidents or injuries. It can also help them be more independent.
It Improves Life Expectancy
Older people who work out stand a better chance of living longer than expected.
This is because exercise keeps the body stronger, not just the muscles, but vital organs like the lungs and heart.
Cardiovascular exercises improve a person’s breathability, it also Improves blood flow.
These are key factors to living a longer, healthier life.
It Improves Your Social Life
If you’re a member of a fitness center or a bicycle club, you will meet new people and most likely become friends with them.
You could have friendly chats during and after each session, and have a laugh while you’re at it.
This adds more excitement to your life, and this will improve your mood. The thought of meeting up with your new friends will also give you something to look forward to, making your life less boring.
The importance of such excitement and happiness cannot be overestimated.
Challenges Involved
Many aged individuals may seem uninterested in doing exercises for different reasons. Some of these reasons are listed below.
They Feel They Are Too Old To Work Out
Exercises are deemed to be a practice for younger people, but that is a huge misconception. Older people can also do exercise routines, although not as rigorous as the ones younger people do.
As long as your body can move, then you can work out. It doesn’t matter how light the weights are, or how short the walking distance is, every form of physical training adds value to a person’s physical well being.
Consider walking to the grocery store instead of driving. You could also ride a bicycle too. By doing so you are not only making yourself stronger, you are also reducing the amount of cars on the road.
Physical Disability
It is true that some elders are physically disabled and use wheel chairs. Still, there are exercises you can do.
Strength exercises like weight lifting is a good idea. The weights don’t have to be heavy, something light can get you going.
Also, you could do friendly wheelchair races with others who are in the same condition as you.
Physical Pain
Some elders suffer from arthritis, and this may discourage them from doing exercises. However, riding a bicycle can actually help reduce the pains, not just in your knees, but all through your joints.
Exercises Suitable For Older People
Below are some of the exercises an older person can do.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest exercises one can do at an old age. As I mentioned earlier, you could walk to the grocery store instead of driving. You could also take your dog out on walks around your neighborhood.
This is a great cardiovascular and stamina building exercise
Swimming
Swimming is great too, it builds up all your core muscles and it’s a fun sport.
You can take a dip in the pool with your grandkids and splash all the water you want!
Cycling
Riding a bicycle is one of the best exercises an older person can do.
You may be too old for a regular bicycle, but you can buy a recumbent bike for seniors. This type of bike allows you lay in a reclined position, and this distributes your weight evenly across the bike. It helps ease the pain in your joints while simultaneously giving you a good workout.
You can search for the best recumbent bike for seniorsso you’ll purchase the one that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
Exercise is just as important for seniors as it is for the younger generation, maybe more important.
It helps you stay fit, happy and it also builds up your resistance to chronic diseases.
Start doing exercises today!