When late Man Kaur, the then 103-year-old Punjabi grandma took the track gold medals at Asian Masters Championship in Malaysia in 2019, the whole world was spellbound. Having earned global laurels, she inspired many and not just her own age group. While the centenarian has become a role model for many, she has also been able to generate awareness about health issues for seniors.
People like her are rare, what is crucial to understand is the importance of exercise for senior health. The benefits are not just physical but emotional and mental as well. If you or your parents or someone you know is an older adult.
A healthy heart can make life easy. Handling everyday chores and activities do not put much strain on your heart. Management of blood pressure, as well as blood glucose, also becomes easier with good cardiovascular strength. With an increased level of energy, you will find a lift in your mood as well.
When you exercise on a regular basis, you help in keeping your joints lubricated, which can further help in the improved health of your bones. Stronger bones can be beneficial in averting as well as managing health problems like arthritis and osteoporosis.
Many seniors feel a little nervous when moving around due to the fear of falling. However, light exercise for older people can make one feel confident and more in tune with his or her muscles. It is also well-established that being active greatly improves the body’s balance. You are more agile and responsive to the body’s movements.
People who move less are more likely to affect their bones and joints. With lesser physical activity, doing regular chores can also prove to be a strenuous task. While on the other hand, when you are into strengthening exercises your body adapts to flexibility. Slowly, you can avert stiffness in the body and thus, reduce the chances of getting hurt.
Most health experts recommend light to moderate exercising as people who are more physically functional generally have an improved immune and digestive system.
Another problem that can really bother senior adults is lack of sleep. Most elderly who have a sedentary routine have trouble getting good quality sleep. On the other hand, those who exercise during the day may feel tired by the time the day ends and thus sleep better. Many golden-agers feel that they sleep better when they go for a walk or work out, a few hours before getting into bed.
While having a routine helps them busy, many feel that with exercise their social wellness also increases. Going out for a walk in the park, meeting others, sharing a laugh or two greatly uplifts the mood of seniors who may otherwise feel lonely and depressed.
After you age, the metabolism of the body also undergoes certain changes. A slower metabolism often makes maintaining an appropriate BMI challenging. However, when you exercise on a regular basis, you can stimulate your metabolism. This can further help in burning excessive calories and building muscle mass.
As we grow old in life, there are many things that we comprehend better. One such thing is the importance of being healthy and physically active. Regular exercise is crucial at every stage of life, it offers a myriad of benefits to the mind and body of a senior citizen.
Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Kindly contact your Doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.
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Published on May 02, 2022