Benefits of Exercise for Seniors

 

As healthy aging week is well underway, we thought we would give you the top 5 reasons to be more active as you age.

1. Improved Mood

Exercising releases endorphins that help seniors feel happier and more relaxed. Many people also report feeling better about their appearance when they exercise regularly, boosting their confidence and improving self-esteem. A positive outlook helps seniors enjoy this phase of life.

2. Speedy Recovery

Seniors who remain active are able to recover more quickly from illness and injury. Vickie Tew, RN for Bayshore Home Care encourages all seniors to exercise as a preventative measure to protect against muscle weakness which often leads to falls.

3. Socialization

Seniors who live at home along can become isolated. This leads to depression and a general downhill trend. Silver Sneakers programs, water aerobics and gentle yoga are great ways for seniors to meet others and socialize with those who have common interests they may not have otherwise known.

4. Sharp Mind

According to a study done by the Department of Exercise Science at the University of Georgia, even briefly exercising for 20 minutes facilitates information processing and memory functions.

5. Increased Energy

New research suggests regular exercise can increase energy levels even among people suffering from chronic medical conditions associated with fatigue, like cancer and heart disease.

It may seem counterintuitive, but researchers say expending energy by engaging in regular exercise may pay off with increased energy in the long run.

“A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last thing they want to do is exercise,” says researcher Patrick O’Connor, PhD, in a news release. “But if you’re physically inactive and fatigued, being just a bit more active will help,” says O’Connor, co-director of the University of Georgia exercise psychology laboratory, in Athens, Ga.

So, for all these reasons and more consider increasing your physical activity!