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Exercise can positively impact our physical health in many ways, as well as our emotional and mental wellbeing at any time in our lives. That means at 20, at 50 and even at 80 it can benefit us.
Workouts for older adults should include a combination of aerobic activity, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
As we age, it’s normal to not have the stamina and agility we enjoyed in our younger years. But getting older doesn’t have to mean becoming a couch potato.
According to the US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), all older adults — both men and women — can benefit from regular, moderate physical activity. This is true even for people with medical conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, obesity, and high blood pressure so PLEASE don’t use chronic illness as an excuse to further fall into ill health. It is the WORST thing you can do. Really.
What are the benefits of exercise for older adults?
Regular activity can positively impact our physical health as well as our mental and emotional wellbeing. It can help give us more energy and greater self-confidence, enabling us to embrace our later years with gusto.
Some of the key benefits of exercise for older adults include:
Prevents Bone Loss: Both men and women unfortunately 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. Having stronger bones leads to fewer fractures and can also aid in balance. By reducing the risk of falls and injuries, exercise can help seniors live independently for longer. Falling often contributes to people’s health spiraling downward after having to spend a long time being…
