Exercise Is Important To Whole Body Well-Being
Staying Active Affects The Body and The Mind
Staying fit is vital for the whole-body wellbeing of people of all ages, especially seniors. As we age, it’s normal to not have the stamina and agility we had in our younger years; however regularly taking part in some form of exercise can increase flexibility, reduce pain and joint stiffness, improve balance and mobility, and even improve your mood.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all older adults can benefit from regular, moderate physical activity – even people with medical conditions including arthritis, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure. Being active in our older years not only positively impacts physical health but also mental and emotional wellbeing.
Stay Fit and Stay Healthy
Here are a few of the ways exercise can improve overall health for older adults:
Prevents Bone Loss: Both men and women lose bone density as they age, with post-menopausal women losing up to 2% each year. Strength training has been shown to counteract this loss and actually restore bone density, which leads to fewer fractures and also aids in balance.
Improves Function: A lack of muscle strength impacts mobility and other types of function, from getting up and down from a chair or bed to opening a jar. According to the National Institute on Aging, even very small changes in muscle strength can make a real difference in function, especially lower-body strength exercises which can improve balance and prevent falling and its serious consequences.
Protects Against Chronic Disease: Exercise helps prevent many chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, colon cancer, diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Even those who already have a chronic condition can minimize symptoms through physical activity.
Reduces Cognitive Decline: Physical activity has been shown to improve cognitive function, which could help those with early signs of Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. One study found that participants over the age of 60 showed fewer Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers when they performed 30 minutes of exercise every day.
Boosts Immunity: A 2018 study linked moderate exercise with a lower incidence of acute respiratory illness and fewer sick days off of work. The exact way exercise supports immunity is not known. However, there are many theories. Some scientists believe that the anti-inflammatory effects of physical activity enable better immune function. Exercise may also improve the performance of immune cells.
Improves Mood: The endorphins produced in our bodies by exercise simply make us feel good. It’s been shown to help with symptoms of anxiety and depression and encourage a sense of wellbeing. Studies have shown that the mood-boosting benefits of exercise continue well into old age.
At a community like Park Creek, it’s never been easier to add more physical activity to your lifestyle – while also providing the social connections and extra motivation that can help you stick with it. We offer a wide variety of exercise classes throughout the week, as well as our beautiful swimming pool and exercise equipment for individual workouts. You can more easily and conveniently find time for fitness at Park Creek – and have a lot of fun while you’re at it!