Exercises for the elderly are crucial to promoting lifespan as well as improving their quality of life. Many elderly people will have a very difficult old age. They frequently have impaired movement and autonomy due to illnesses, persistent pain, and other conditions.
Is it feasible to alter the current circumstance? Studies carried out in South Korea support this. There, the elderly continue to be active for longer.
There, people live longer and, instead of dying dependent on their families for an average of eight years, they die with just around two years of their former independence remaining.
We cannot, of course, attribute this outcome to a single source. We cannot, however, dispute that exercising regularly is one of them.
A sizable portion of the population in South Korea engages in physical exercise. There are just 5% of people there that are obese.
But really, what are the advantages of exercise for the elderly? What physical activities are ideal for this age group? Read this article to find out!
What are the benefits of physical exercise for seniors?
There are several advantages to physical activity for seniors, but the following are the important ones:
Prevents cardiovascular diseases
There are several ways that exercises for seniors might avoid cardiovascular disease. They lessen the body’s fat content, preventing vein and artery occlusion as a result.
As we all know, keeping a healthy weight is crucial for preventing metabolic syndrome and other disorders that compromise heart health.
We also must not overlook the fact that primarily aerobic exercise strengthens the heart muscle, extending the life of this “engine.”
In Brazil and across the world, cardiovascular illnesses are the ones that claim the most lives. Therefore, by lowering this risk, seniors may expect a better quality of life.
Promotes autonomy
Elderly persons who walk bent over, have trouble balancing, and gradually lose the ability to walk alone in the streets, at stores, and other places are extremely prevalent.
As a result, individuals start to rely on others for even the most fundamental tasks.
Exercise fosters independence. It improves balance and protects the capacity to move properly by fortifying the body’s bones, muscles, and joints.
The elderly are able to continue living independently of family members or caretakers in this way.
Reduces mortality
Falling is one of the leading causes of death among the elderly. They stumble, break bones, and become bedridden, which causes issues that ultimately result in death.
The likelihood of falls and fractures decreases significantly when exercise improves balance while strengthening the bone and muscle structure.
Exercise thereby lowers senior mortality.
Contributes to controlling chronic diseases
Although they can begin at an early age, chronic illnesses tend to become more prevalent as people age.
For instance, a large percentage of Brazilians under the age of 18 have high blood pressure. However, chronic illnesses are more prevalent in the elderly.
Eighty-eight percent of Americans over 65 have at least one chronic illness. Over half of the people assemble two or three of these.
Exercise both prevents and aids in the management of certain disorders. It is a top source for managing diabetes and decreasing cholesterol, among other illnesses.
Improves mental health
Finally, mental health is a crucial topic. Increased levels of neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin are a result of physical activity.
In addition to being an effective natural pain reliever, they induce in the brain feelings of relaxation, well-being, and joy.
Good physical health and independence are some factors that help older individuals feel more confident in themselves.
Therefore, older people who exercise are less likely to have issues like anxiety and sadness.