Exercising is extremely important especially for our loved ones. There are many known benefits as it keeps them fit physically and mentally. A study showed that older adults that exercise regularly are unlikely to have any form of mental illnesses as exercising does help with them. Living a healthy and active lifestyle will help to increase their lifespan. Some older adults may complain that exercising is boring and it is not fun. On the contrary, exercising can actually be fun and engaging especially with exercise classes and programs that they can go to with their friends. Sometimes, the amenities that they have in their neighborhood may not entice older adults to use them. However, nicer amenities and a strong support group can encourage older adults to exercise and continue exercising. Here are some reasons why exercise for seniors is important.
Better Sleep
Many older adults may experience low-quality sleep and may have a lack of sleep. Many research has shown that regular exercise does help increase the quality of sleep! Physical exercise helps to increase deep sleep where your body is fully rested and helps to boost the immune system. When you exercise, you burn energy, which makes you feel tired and leads to longer and deeper sleep. This ensures you wake up feeling well-rested and ready for the next day!
Maintain Level of Chemical in The Brain
These brain chemicals are responsible for how we feel mentally. When we exercise regularly, it stimulates the production of these brain chemicals like dopamine and serotonin which makes us feel happier as well as improves our overall wellbeing. Exercise can also produce norepinephrine which can decrease the levels of anxiety and stress as it produces a calming and relaxing effect on the brain and body. As such, exercising is so important as it maintains the healthy level of our brain chemicals to decrease mental disorders.
Decrease The Risk of Falls
Older adults are more prone to falls as they may have a hard time balancing. Falls are extremely dangerous for older adults as they can cause them to be hospitalized and have mobility limitations that can hamper their independence. Additionally, recovery time after the falls increases with age. Exercising frequently will increase muscle strength and flexibility which can prevent falls as they have the strength to catch themselves. Physical exercise can improve bone density and reduce the risks of fractures and osteoporosis.
Reduce Risk of Dementia
When older adults are inactive, the chances of dementia will increase causing them to require heavy assistance and the loss of their independence. Dementia is a cognitive impairment that causes patients to forget things fast and can affect their mental health. With regular exercise, the blood flows to the brain will increase, keeping the brain cells healthy and reducing the risks of dementia. Exercise can increase the production of new brain cells which help in increasing memory and cognitive abilities.
Boosts Happiness and Positivity
Exercise can improve your mood and bring positivity to your life. As a result of exercise, our brain releases the happy hormone, dopamine. Happy feelings are associated with this hormone. Dopamine levels in the brain decrease with age, according to studies. Thus, regular exercise becomes more important as we age.
