Staying active as you get older not only impacts your physical health but also your mental and emotional well-being. Even five minutes of physical activity can be beneficial as you work up to the recommended 150 minutes of moderately intensive exercise each week. To stay active throughout the year, choose activities you enjoy that get your heart beating, but tell your doctor if you experience any shortness of breath or chest pain. Keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of staying active.
Staying active is one of the best things you can do to maintain your physical health. Regular physical engagement can help improve cardiovascular health, lowering the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes. Activities such as walking, swimming or bicycling can also help lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and improve balance and coordination to reduce the risk of falls.
Long-term physical health benefits of staying active include lowering your risk of eight cancers, helping you maintain a healthy weight and reducing the risk of osteoporosis and fractures by improving bone health. While it may sound counterproductive, moving more can help reduce the pain and stiffness from arthritis. Low-impact cardiovascular activity, daily stretching and strength training help strengthen the muscles surrounding aching joints and take the pressure off these inflamed areas, so they hurt less.
Overall, staying active supports a healthier body, helping you maintain independence longer and enjoy a higher quality of life.
Because your mind and body are closely linked, when you take care of your physical health, your mental health is also likely to improve. Older adults can be more vulnerable to stress, anxiety and depression, so the mental health benefits of staying active become even more important. Benefits of regular exercise include:
In short, staying active can help keep your mind sharp and spirits up, enhancing your mental well-being and maintaining cognitive health.
Social circles can become smaller as you age, potentially leaving you feeling isolated and alone. Exercising regularly, especially in group settings, provides opportunities to socialize with others and combat loneliness, one of the most common problems affecting seniors. Group exercise can also encourage you to build and maintain new friendships to help widen your social circles.
Staying socially connected has also been shown to improve mental and emotional well-being, making group exercise an essential part of a healthy lifestyle for seniors. Staying active and connected with others can give you a sense of belonging and purpose, which is vital for overall happiness and quality of life.
Whether you join a group exercise class, walk with a neighbor or garden with a friend, any activities that pair social interaction with others can be beneficial.
To ensure you stick to a healthy physical activity routine, set realistic goals that fit your lifestyle and physical abilities. Start with small, achievable goals to help build your confidence and make it easier to stick to your routine. For example, you might begin with a short walk each day and gradually increase the time, distance and intensity as you become more comfortable and confident in your new activity.
Another way to ensure success is to choose engagements and hobbies you enjoy. If you try incorporating something into your routine that you dislike, you will find it challenging to force yourself to make it a regular part of your daily life. Whether you enjoy swimming, dancing or just playing with your grandchildren, find pursuits that bring you joy to make it easier to stay motivated to remain physically active.
The goal is to create a routine you enjoy and can sustain to continue reaping the many benefits of an active lifestyle. By focusing on this goal, staying active becomes less of a chore and a more rewarding part of your daily life.
Most adults aged 65 or above can exercise safely, even with mobility challenges or chronic conditions. However, before starting any exercise program, talk with your doctor about suitable options and how to create a plan to safely increase your activity over time.
At WindsorMeade, we offer numerous opportunities to improve your fitness level in our state-of-the-art fitness center, featuring EGYM, CyberCycles and Matrix equipment. We also offer personal training, balance programs and group exercise classes, such as yoga, tai chi and water aerobics, to help you build strength and self-esteem. Contact us at 757-941-3615 to learn more about our Pathways to Wellness program and how residents at WindsorMeade stay active.
