When it comes to a healthy, active lifestyle, we have all heard about the benefits of exercise. However, is it safe for seniors older than 65 years of age to exercise? The answer is yes!
According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, nearly all elderly individuals can benefit from some form of physical activity. Routine exercise prevents chronic illness, lowers the possibility of injury, and improves mood.
Benefits of Group Exercise for Older Adults
While the body takes longer to repair itself, moderate exercise is good for all ages and ability levels. There are many conditions which can be improved with the help of group exercise, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Regular group exercise for older adults improves the following:
- Chronic conditions and cancer. Physical activity lowers the risk of serious health conditions, such as those mentioned above. In addition, it also helps manage arthritis pain and high cholesterol.
- Immune system functioning. A body that is both strong and healthy can prevent illness and infection more effectively and faster. Instead of sapping energy reserves completely, recovery from sickness can take less of a toll on the body due to regular exercise.
- Bone density. Since exercise protects your bones from losing mass, improved bone density reduces the risk of osteoporosis and prevent broken bones due to falls or accidents.
- Gastrointestinal functioning. Consistent exercise helps increase your metabolism and encourages the effective elimination of waste, promoting digestive health benefits.
- Heart functioning. Routine exercise lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure, especially if an elderly person has hypertension.
A routine exercise schedule is also correlated with decreased mortality and morbidity in elderly adults. In addition, exercise and training results in improvements in reach and balance.
For more information about our philosophy of senior care at our Hampton assisted living facility, as well as our group exercises for older adults, contact us at (770) 824-3385.