The Importance of Physical Activity for Ageing Adults

It is no secret that exercise is essential for keeping ourselves healthy. Physical activities help prevent various health conditions, strengthen muscles and bones, increase energy levels, and are a natural stress buffer. It also keeps you physically fit and mentally alert and helps you sleep better.

Regular exercise is especially beneficial for seniors as they are at a higher risk of developing health issues. Since physical activities strengthen bones and muscles, the effects of ageing are reduced, and older people feel more energetic despite their years. Osteoarthritis is one condition that generally occurs as people age, and through exercise, there is significant relief from its discomfort. Even as one gets older, the quality of life improves by staying active. Fortunately, some conditions like incontinence need not keep seniors from physical activities. They can always depend on trusted continence products to provide them with the protection they need while exercising and keeping themselves healthy.

Here are some reasons why ageing adults need to exercise regularly:

It helps prevent disease

Older people tend to get weaker and are susceptible to various diseases, including osteoporosis, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes, etc. Exercise keeps your heart strong and improves blood circulation, which, in turn, increases the body's oxygen levels. Because of this, the risk of developing heart problems is significantly reduced. Additionally, staying physically active lowers blood pressure and helps prevent hypertension and other serious health issues.

It helps maintain the body's flexibility

Ageing contributes to the weakening of bones and muscles. It also impacts the normal flexibility of joints and ligaments. Regular exercise not only strengthens muscles and bones but helps maintain flexibility. It helps seniors with their mobility, allowing them to move about comfortably. Additionally, exercise can help reduce the risk of common accidents that happen to older people, such as falling. Their sense of balance improves with exercise, so they worry less about tripping and injuring themselves.

It helps reduce stress and anxiety

Older people can start to experience anxiety and stress, especially when they feel that they are no longer helpful. It is understandable to feel this way after being independent and able to do whatever they wanted when they were younger. They experience many physical changes, start to forget things, and tire easily. All of these factors contribute to anxiety, which can lead to depression. Exercise allows them to focus on something productive instead of despairing over what they cannot do. It boosts their energy and physical health. Thus, they live happy and productive lives, no matter how old they may be.

It improves the quality of sleep

Getting quality sleep allows the body to heal itself and recharge to function well the following day. Unfortunately, many ageing adults find it difficult to sleep or may not be fully rested even after getting seven hours of sleep. However, there is a noticeable change in sleeping habits by exercising regularly, and the quality of sleep improves.

Exercise is essential for anyone, no matter what age. For those with chronic diseases like high blood pressure or diabetes, exercising regularly may even improve these health conditions. Still, it is best to talk to your doctor and ask about exercise routines you can do to stay active.