Tips for Aging With Strength
Growing older doesn’t mean slowing down. That’s why National Senior Health and Fitness Day is a great reminder to keep participating in the activities that bring joy or to take this cue to incorporate small lifestyle changes to stay active and feel your best. Think of how you can reignite your exercise passion on May 29th.
According to the World Health Organization, between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world’s population over 60 years of age will almost double from 12% to 22%. For older adults, regular physical activity is essential to delay or prevent a multitude of health issues that can be linked to aging. Adults over 65 years of age can benefit from 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity like brisk walking or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise like jogging or spin activity on a stationary bike. Muscle strengthening activities as well as balance improving exercises are ideal to help prevent falls.
Although belonging to a gym or exercise club can be a great motivator, there are daily tasks that can help older adults get the exercise they need, including:
- Gardening
- Dancing with the grandchildren
- Parking further away when doing errands to get some additional steps into your day
- Walking in a park or finding a hiking trail to try
- Active types of yoga
- Water aerobics
It is important for an older adult to know their limitations or speak to their doctor before starting an exercise program, especially with conditions like osteoarthritis which can be limiting as well as high impact activity that can make chronic pain intense. Opting for low impact options can make exercise more comfortable and easy to include daily. Low impact exercise puts less strain on joints, helps develop coordination and balance as well as poses a lower fall risk.
The benefits of regular exercise include an increase in better quality of sleep and a boost to the immune system. A very important perk of activity is a marked improvement in mental health, including a decrease in depression, isolation and anxiety, which can feel overwhelming as a person ages.
Explore the ways that you can include exercise in your daily routine and encourage the older loved ones in your life to do the same. CarePatrol understands the importance of doing all you can to live your best life, at any age. Our senior care advisors are here to help find the best senior care solutions, matched to desires, location, health needs and so much more.