Why It's Important for Seniors to Stay Active

Staying active has always been an essential aspect of maintaining a healthy life, especially for older adults. Moreover, exercise becomes a crucial part of seniors’ daily routine to ward off diseases and physical limitations that come with aging.

According to the CDC, seniors should dedicate at least 30 minutes of their day weekly to moderate physical activities that match their physical abilities and condition. Some of the best exercises to do in your assisted living apartments include:

●        Walking, jogging, or cycling around the community.

●        Yoga

●        Water aerobics

●        Any form of dancing, such as salsa or Zumba

●        Doing household chores

●        Gardening

If you’re still on the fence about doing daily exercises, here are some important reasons why you should engage and include working out in your daily routine!

1.     It Promotes Heart Health

One of the most significant benefits of regular physical activity for seniors like yourself is strengthening your heart health. Working out enhances the heart muscles, improves blood circulation, and maintains a good blood pressure一all of which ensures that your heart stays healthy and strong.

2.     It Enhances Brain Power

Aging may cause your cognitive function and memory to decline gradually, but it doesn’t always have to be this way. There’s an easy technique to keep your brain active and sharp, and that’s by exercising!

As you work out, more doses of oxygen and nutrients circulate into your whole body and brain, supplying it with energy and strength.

3.     It Helps Improve the Physique

It’s no secret that exercising regularly helps older adults maintain a healthy weight and avoid the dangers of obesity. Even if aging causes your metabolism to slow, working out will help you improve your physique by building muscle mass and burning more calories.

Furthermore, exercising will help enhance your other bodily functions, such as flexibility and balance.

4.     It Prevents Falls and Other Chronic Diseases

According to studies, 30% of seniors aged 65 and above endures unintentional fall accidents each year. It is more prevalent in older adults due to their weak bones, frail stature, and other physical limitations.

But with exercise, you can surely save yourself from trips to the emergency room or attaining fatal injuries.

Additionally, regular physical activities can also help you ward off several chronic diseases that commonly affect seniors. This includes:

●        Heart problems

●        Osteoporosis

●        Diabetes and hypertension

●        Obesity

●        Dementia

●        Mental struggles like anxiety disorder and depression

Seniors who already have these diseases can still benefit from exercise to help manage their condition and control its symptoms.

 5.     It Promotes Social Wellness

Lastly, staying active allows older adults to improve their social wellness and engage with other seniors regularly. This, in turn, helps you maintain an overall healthy well-being, specifically in your life’s emotional and social aspects. Here are some tips on how to maximize the social benefits of exercising:

●        Join in your community’s fitness classes or walking group.

●        Invite neighbors in your assisted living apartments to attend an online Zumba session.

●        Invite family and friends to work out with you in the gym.