The Importance of Exercise for Senior Citizens
As a person ages, it becomes more important than ever to maintain their physical and mental wellness. A regular exercise routine has been proven time and time again to be an excellent and necessary tool for senior citizens to assist them as they age. Regular physical activity can help seniors improve their quality of life, through maintaining their independence and reducing their risk of developing some chronic diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis and heart disease as well as reducing the risk for cognitive decline and memory loss. There are many benefits to the retired community of regular exercise, but here are just a few examples:
1.) Let’s start with the most obvious one. Consistent physical activity improves physical health, in many different ways. Exercise can help people of any age (but especially seniors!) maintain and improve their balance, strength, flexibility and mobility, all of which contribute to fall prevention and thus, maintaining one’s independence. Exercise has also been shown to aid in reducing the risk of chronic conditions like osteoporosis, heart disease, or diabetes.
2.) Exercise can also help to improve your mood! It can even potentially reduce feelings of anxiety and depression in senior citizens. Regular physical activity has been associated with an improved sense of overall well-being and a lower risk of developing mental health conditions as one ages.
3.) A consistent exercise routine can Increase mental function and capacity. Many studies have shown that concentration, memory and overall brain health and function can be improved and strengthened through regular physical activity. Especially in elderly populations, exercise has also been shown to have a positive impact on cognitive function. Exercise may also help lower one’s risk of developing conditions like Alzheimer's disease or dementia.
4.) Studies have shown that maintaining a regular exercise routine can help improve your sleep. It can help your quality of sleep as well as increase the amount of time you’re able to stay asleep. When you participate in regular exercise, you’re able to fall asleep more easily and stay asleep longer. Exercise may also help prevent insomnia.
5.) In addition to the physical benefits, a regular activity routine can also enhance social connections. Many senior centers and assisted living facilities offer some sort of group fitness classes or activities that provide an opportunity for senior citizens to connect with others while participating in their necessary physical activity. Exercising can help older adults maintain social connections and reduce or prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness that can occur in older age.
6.) Exercise can help older adults maintain their independence for longer. By maintaining (and hopefully) improving their physical as well as mental function, seniors can remain active and independent while still being able to participate in social functions and stay engaged with their local community.
An important point to note is that the benefits of exercise are not limited to senior citizens but in fact, can help people of all ages! It’s never too late to start exercising and the positive benefits and improvements can be seen in people of ANY age. With that being said, every person is different and every body reacts to things differently. It’s important to take into consideration the individual and what would be best for them specifically. This is where an in-home personal trainer can really provide benefit, especially with the elderly population. A personal trainer will ensure you are doing exercises that are appropriate for your specific body and goals, while also making sure each movement is done correctly to prevent injury.
If you are a senior citizen who is considering beginning an exercise routine, it's always good idea to speak with a doctor or other healthcare professional first. This is mainly to ensure you are doctor-approved for physical activity, especially if there have been any recent injuries or surgeries. Once you are cleared, you may consider reaching out to a personal trainer to see working with them would be a good fit for you, even if it is just to get started. They will be able to assess where you’re currently at physically and be able to recommend safe and effective exercises, while also providing support and guidance.
To summarize, numerous studies have shown the many benefits of regular physical activity for all populations, but especially for senior citizens. By engaging in regular exercise, older adults can maintain and improve their physical and mental health, while staying active, social, and independent. If you’re curious to learn more about an in-home personal trainer in Gainesville FL, reach out to Swamp Fitness through our contact form today! We’d love to help you reach your health and wellness goals!
-Sarah Kunkler
NASM Personal Trainer Gainesville FL
Personal Training Ocala, FL