We often hear about the importance of exercise, but the benefits go beyond what we can see on the outside. There are many physical and mental health benefits of exercising. One of those benefits is increased life expectancy.
An elderly person who doesn’t exercise will have a much lower chance of living to be 85 years old than someone who exercises regularly. For example, in Japan, people who exercise have a life expectancy of around six years greater than those who do not. However, it’s understandable that some seniors might not want to exercise, especially if they have bowel or incontinence issues. Fortunately, there are incontinence products such as adult diapers for men, incontinence pads for women, and bladder support supplements, so they don’t have to worry while exercising.
In addition to physical and mental health benefits, there are also social benefits from exercising. It’s important for seniors to make sure they get out of their houses to interact with other people and stay active in their communities. So, here are some exercises that senior citizens can do:
Water Aerobics
Water aerobics is a form of exercise that seniors can participate in to remain healthy. It is a low impact, a low-stress form of exercise that is also very enjoyable.
Although water aerobics may be a difficult sport for some, it can be beneficial for the mind and body if done properly. In addition to this, many seniors find this to be easier than other forms of exercise or sports activities like jogging or tennis.
Walking
Walking as exercise can also help prevent falls by helping older adults stay more stable on their feet. Seniors who walk have been shown to have fewer balance problems than those who did not walk regularly.
The benefits of walking as exercise also extend beyond just physical health; it has been shown to improve mental health and cognitive function in seniors as well as reduce depression and anxiety levels among them.
Body Weight Workout
As people age, their bodies change, and they have to adapt to these changes. Unfortunately, they may also experience a new set of problems due to aging, such as arthritis, bone loss, and heart disease. These diseases can make it difficult for seniors to exercise.
One solution that is gaining in popularity is weight training as a way for seniors to exercise without the risk of injury. Weight training has been proven to be able to increase muscle mass and prevent age-related injuries like osteoarthritis. With this type of exercise, seniors can keep themselves healthy without the added stress of cardio or other more intense workouts that could cause injury.
Dumbell Strength Training
Dumbbells are great for seniors because they are easy to use, portable, and effective. Although, if you have never been involved with bodyweight training before, it can be a difficult experience to start. Dumbbell exercises can also be used as a strength training approach that is both progressive and effective. It is not just limited to seniors; dumbbells benefit anyone at any age who wants to build up their muscles in an efficient way.
These are just a few exercises that can help seniors keep active as they get older. Some of these exercises can be done in groups, giving them that extra motivation to keep going with their friends and loved ones.
*Photos by Marcus Aurelius
