Exploring the Link Between Physical Activity, Exercise, and the Aging Process
There’s no avoiding aging, but there are certain things you can do to stave it off and feel like a younger version of yourself at any age. One of the most important is getting regular physical activity.
Frequent exercise has been linked to both mental and physical longevity, helping people feel better at any stage of life. Learn more about the link between physical activity and the aging process.
The Benefits of Physical ActivityPhysical activity has been known to offer an array of physical and mental benefits. The advantages of leading an active lifestyle include the following:
Healthy weight maintenance
Improved cardiovascular health
Increased muscle mass
Better overall body strength
More positive mood
While leading an active lifestyle is beneficial at any age, it becomes increasingly important as you get older.
Physical activity can help older adults avoid many common health concerns and feel more youthful. In fact, a regular exercise routine can help slow the aging process and keep you healthier for longer.
Exercise and Aging
Aging can’t be stopped, but it can be impeded.
Physical activity is one way to counteract the effects of aging and feel years younger. People who lead active lifestyles have been shown to remain healthy and capable well into their golden years.
Exercise helps maintain functional strength and increase muscle mass, two crucial attributes that tend to decrease with age. It also improves coordination, stamina, and balance, which are things many people can struggle with as they get older.
However, the main benefit of exercising later in life is the decreased risk of health concerns. As the body ages, it becomes more susceptible to health conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, hypertension, and diabetes. Regular strenuous activity significantly lowers the risk of all these conditions.
Another often-overlooked benefit of exercise is that it positively impacts mood. This is important for senior adults, particularly those in assisted living. Seniors who struggle with depression or feelings of isolation can experience a boost in dopamine after exercising that makes them feel good for the rest of the day.
Better Health and Happiness Are Possible in Assisted Living
To feel more youthful and ward off common health concerns, it’s essential for people of all ages to stay active. This is no less true for seniors.
Unfortunately, many older adults believe physical activity is impossible due to limited mobility or living circumstances. The reality is that it’s always possible to get exercise in some form, regardless of physical limitations or living arrangements.
For instance, residents in assisted living might participate in organized exercise programs, such as weekly fitness courses. Similarly, seniors who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids can perform seated exercises like arm lifts and light stretching.
The bottom line is that any physical activity is better than none. Exercise improves strength and body composition, elevates mood, and showcases long-term health benefits for seniors.