Regular exercise and physical activity are beneficial for everybody and it’s never too late to start. In fact, an active lifestyle is most significant in older adults over the age of 65.
There is strong scientific evidence behind the countless benefits of physical activity in the elderly population including improved immune function; enhanced heart health and blood pressure; better digestive function; stronger bones and lowered risk of developing chronic conditions such as dementia, depression, obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
Additionally, regular exercise can help maintain a healthy weight; improve management of stress; enhance mood and self-confidence; improve sleep; and yield cognitive gains such as prevention of memory loss, cognitive decline and development of dementia.
There are several forms of exercise you can do, depending on what suits your individual needs and current lifestyle. These include:
- Strength exercises to strengthen your muscles such as lifting weights or using resistance bands or your own body weight.
- Stretching exercises to increase flexibility and mobility.
- Cardiovascular activities that increase your heart and breathing rate such as jogging, brisk walking, swimming or bike riding.
- Balance and proprioceptive (awareness of body parts) to help with posture and motor control.
- Goal specific exercises such as the Otago program for falls prevention; GRASP for retraining of the upper limb post stroke; Cardiac rehabilitation for the rehabilitation of the heart after a cardiac event, etc.
Performing a variety of exercises can also help with preventing falls and preventing or managing symptoms of chronic conditions such as arthritis, osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, after a stroke, etc.
The great thing about physical activity and exercise is that it is flexible and can be tailored to your specific health conditions, your individual physical and lifestyle needs. You can find out more about goal setting or developing a unique exercise program, by speaking with one of our lovely physiotherapists on 1300MYREHAB (1300 469 794) or at info@myrehabteam.com.au.
Reference:
“Exercise and Fitness over 50” Available from http://www.helpguide.org/life/senior_fitness_sports.htm (Accessed on 25th August, 2014)
“The importance of exercise as you get old” Available from http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/fitness/Pages/activities-for-the-elderly.aspx (Accessed on 25th August, 2014)
“Exercise: Benefits of Exercise” Available from http://nihseniorhealth.gov/exerciseforolderadults/healthbenefits/01.html (Accessed on 25th August, 2014)
Image courtesy of stockimages @freedigitalphotos.net Available from http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/senior-woman-posing-with-exercise-ball-photo-p233963 (Accessed on 25th August, 2014)