Exercise is a very important part of living a healthy lifestyle no matter what age a person is. Senior citizens can benefit greatly from a routine of daily exercise. Exercise does not just benefit the body, it also aids in keeping the mind sharp as well. Senior citizens who exercise, within doctor prescribed guidelines, will have a better quality of life.
Importance of exercise for senior citizens:
Memory– As people age, they have a tendency to be more forgetful. Exercise helps alleviate memory loss due to aging. Daily exercise helps keep the blood flowing properly to the brain. Some research says that daily exercise, even if moderate, can actually reverse memory loss.
The Body– It is important for senior citizens to exercise in order to keep the body in tiptop shape. Exercise helps keep muscles and bones strong. A senior citizen who exercises daily is building up strength. This means that the senior is more likely to be able to care for him/herself longer than those who do not exercise.
Overall Health- A senior citizen who exercises daily will realize an increase in overall health. The body responds very well to exercise. It is invigorating, giving the senior more energy. Light aerobics helps heart health, keeps cholesterol levels more stable and increases circulation.
The Soul- Senior citizens who exercise find that they are more stable mentally as well as physically. This leads to a happier life. It simply feels good to exercise. As stated earlier, it is invigorating. When exercise is taken on as a habit, the soul smiles.
Senior citizens must consult with a doctor before taking on any exercise. The doctor can help the patient decide what types of exercise are best for safety reasons. Senior citizens do not have to stand idle though. Even moderate exercises give great benefits to the senior citizen. More and more senior citizens are discovering the many benefits of exercising. In fact, many of them are joining gyms across the nation.
It is important to keep active as a senior citizen. Without exercise, the mind, body and health decline greatly. Many people believe that the older a person becomes the less active he/she should become. That is far from the truth. There is no reason for a senior citizen to become idle simply because he/she has reached a certain age level. Exercise can keep seniors from becoming depressed. Getting out to the gym keeps seniors from sitting in the home alone as well. When something can provide all of these benefits, why wouldn’t it be encouraged?
Seniors are encouraged to start a regular workout routine. A local gym, such as the YMCA, can help set up a safe workout program for seniors. The words “senior citizen” does not have to mean inactivity. Certainly there are some health issues that may keep a senior from being extremely active, but there are always very moderate exercises that will help keep the senior feeling more alive than ever.
