Why Exercise Is Important As You Age

Does your need for exercise diminish as you age? According to health experts, not at all. Staying young at heart while improving your overall health are inevitable benefits of a good exercise routine. As we age, our heart and bones can begin to weaken, making exercise invaluable. Additionally, keeping blood flowing to vital organs and the brain enhance life and health.

The benefits of exercise are endless. Even a small improvement in strength can assist joints and make the ability to sit, stand and walk significantly easier. Exercise also improves the quality of sleep, making it easier for people who regularly exercise to engage in sleep more deeply. Engaging in physical activity releases endorphins, making one feel happier and more content. It also increases brain functionality and helps in combating diseases, fighting depression and preventing Alzheimer’s and dementia.

On the other side of the coin, lack of muscle tone and a non-productive active lifestyle can lead toward depression, and can cause your loved one to be more prone to trip and fall related injuries.

One of the main goals of any kind of an exercise program is to provide adequate exercise to maintain muscle mass and a general feeling of well-being. When you consider that getting up and moving around will help improve balance and overall health, simply getting up and walking could help prevent falls and broken bones.

Encourage your folks to get into a habit of taking a walk daily, or even very other day. If you can, why not go with them?  It’s a great bonding activity for the both of you and will also help assure they don"t suffer a fall if they"re out walking alone.

At LifeFone we recognize you cannot always be with them. Equipping your loved ones with a medical alert device can offer them, and you the peace of mind that help is only a push of a button away.

Other types of exercise are beneficial, and doesn’t have to be strenuous. Stretching, balancing, small hand weights will all help to strengthen the muscles and bones. Though, it does need to be strenuous enough to generate blood flow, and work the muscles without putting undue strain on the joints. Swimming is a perfect exercise that incorporates all muscle groups.

Before beginning any type of exercise routine, encourage them to speak to their physician to ensure healthy enough to begin a good, heart healthy exercise program.