Exercise: Improving the Lives of the Elderly

Exercise

Improving the Lives of the Elderly

Exercise is a vital part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle for any age group, but it is especially important for ageing adults and the elderly. Exercise needs to be a kept a priority because of its many physical and mental health benefits. There may be some hesitation at first because of the challenges that come with exercising while ageing, but exercise will drastically improve their quality of life. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that physical activity also has the ability to extend life expectancy. 

Three of the main physical health benefits include: (helpguide.org)

• Exercise helps older adults maintain or lose weight.
• Exercise reduces the impact of illness or chronic disease.
• Exercise enhances mobility, flexibility, and balance in older adults. 

Three of the main mental health benefits include: (helpguide.org)

• Exercise improves your sleep. 
• Exercise boosts mood and self-confidence.
• Exercise is good for the brain.

The challenges of life will inevitably get in the way of staying motivated and staying committed to a regular exercise routine, so it is important to have a plan ahead of time for when this occurs. When your regular exercise routine gets interrupted, always have a back up plan. The more consistent you are in your daily exercise, the more benefits you will acquire. 

There may be some concerns before starting a regular exercise routine for older adults. They may have an illness that significantly changes their ability to exercise, they may feel too weak, or they may have concerns about falling. All of these issues and more need to be addressed, and there is a safe way to go about starting a regular exercise routine. 

Some safety tips to consider include: (helpguide.org)

• Get medical clearance from the doctor. 
• Consider all health concerns. 
• Start slow.
• Commit to an exercise schedule. 
• Stay motivated by focusing on short-term goals. 
• Recognize problems. 

There are also specific types of exercise that are more appropriate for specific age groups or a specific individual's needs. Every person has a unique set of physical and mental health needs, and these can be met through various types of exercise techniques and programs. Here are some resources that will give you more information about what is best for you or your family member:

Exercise and Fitness Over 50

Why is Physical Exercise Important for the Elderly?